Spiritualism: The Practice of Mediumship

Mediumship, in a sense, is a sacred faculty, because it is related to the enduring, spiritual part of each one. Mediumship is an integral part of Spiritualism and it’s the factor that distinguishes the religion of Spiritualism from all other religions. Most of the major world religions both teach and believe in a life after death; however, Spiritualism seeks to emphasize this point and demonstrates through mediumship that the personality of the individual continues after the change called death. This is in accord with the Natural Law of Continuity. Mediumship strengthens one’s connection to the never-ending, creative principle in the universe known as Infinite Intelligence. 

The practice of mediumship is not new and has been demonstrated throughout the ages. While the advent of Modern Spiritualism came with the Hydesville Rappings, mediumship and the manifestations of spirit have been recorded in historic records dating back to the Greeks who sought spiritual counsel from oracles. The Roman Empire had their soothsayers and later monarchies utilized stargazers. In the 1600s, witches (or those suspected of being one) were persecuted for exhibiting psychic phenomena, It wasn’t until the 19th century that mediumship became recognized as a psychic power to be studied and the movement of Modern Spiritualism organized. 

The National Spiritualist Association of Churches states that a medium is 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 the phenomena of Spiritualism. Parapsychologists, or scientists who study psychic phenomena outside of religion, view mediumship as the result of forces within the unconscious mind, combined with the detection of impressions received via the universal ether. Essentially, the scientist removes spirit from the equation. 

Terminology utilized by both the Spiritualist and the parapsychologist may cause confusion for students new to mediumship. The terms medium and psychic are often used interchangeably by the scientific community. Spiritualism teaches that a psychic attunes to the vibrations of the universe, and mediums attune to this energy as well, but also to spirit entities. It is often stated that mediums may be psychic, but psychics do not normally demonstrate mediumship.

Mediumship falls into two classes: mental and physical. The mental phase of mediumship is representative of spirit greetings/messages, clairsentience, clairvoyance, clairaudience, spiritual healing, inspirational speaking and writing, prophecy, psychometry, trance, and other related phenomena. The mental phase is dependent upon morality, intelligence, and spiritual purity. The physical phase of mediumship is represented by apports, automatic writing, levitation, spirit materialization, rappings, transfiguration, trumpet speaking, independent voice, writing, music, and other related manifestations. Physical manifestations depend upon the chemical reactions of the body. Another qualifier between the two classes or phases of mediumship is that mental mediumship is considered to be subjective in nature; whereas, physical mediumship is considered to be objective in nature. 

A number of factors influence the success or failure of mediumship. Such factors include mental/moral, physical/psychological, and Natural Law. One must seek to increase their spirituality by cultivating high aspirations and letting go of selfishness. It is necessary to be of willing service to humanity and follow the Golden Rule at all times. One should seek to avoid thoughts and activities of a lower order that may lead to depression, disorganization, and worry. Additionally, mediums should keep their bodies in good physical condition as the act of mediumship can be physically exhausting. 

While the essential purpose of mediumship is to prove the continuity of life through the demonstration of the phenomena of Spiritualism, mediumship has also helped to provide both enlightenment and greater awareness to those who seek unfoldment. One should seek to know thyself through meditation and learning to enter the passive state of mind where spirit communications are best received. The more a medium learns, so increases a medium’s rate of vibration and attraction to spirits of a higher order. Additionally, one should align themselves with a formal study group or Spiritualist Church affiliated unfoldment class. One should seek out a group or class that feels harmonious. It’s important for the student to research their teachers. What are their qualifications and/or affiliations? What are their teaching methods and resources used? Does the class meet at an agreeable time and duration for the student? 

Mediumship may be the true missing link in the evolution of the human species. It’s the direct line of communication between the physical and spiritual planes of existence. It’s the primary method for proof of the continuity of life. It’s the building of a relationship between mediums, spirit entities, and Infinite Intelligence. Through mediumship, and it’s close ally meditation, one may learn the true nature and purpose of human beings. Life is about unfolding one’s spiritual nature and abilities, which can best be accomplished through the phenomenon of mediumship. 

Reference: Morris Pratt Institute, Course on Modern Spiritualism, Lesson 19, The Practice and Application of Phenomena— Part II

Spiritualism: Materialization & Dematerialization

Materialization is an opportunity for a discarnate being to appear in such a shape and form that it is recognizable in the same physical manner as when on the Earth Plane. Dematerialization is the opposite in that spirit entities that have shown themselves, then disappear. Also objects may both materialize (apport) or dematerialize (asport).

Materialization and dematerialization require a specific environment for best results. For this purpose, a cabinet is used to house a medium behind a curtain while they enter a trance state that allows a spirit entity to work through the medium and produce the manifestations. Some mediums require full darkness, while others do not; however, all agree that sudden flashes of bright light are harmful and could eliminate any manifestation. The process may take many sittings or even years of patience before any actual manifestations take place.

Another important element is something called ectoplasm, which is a luminous substance that emits from the medium’s body and is used by spirit entities to materialize and/or to dematerialize objects and other forms. Ectoplasm is a kind of matter that may take on vaporous, liquid, or solid states and has an odor like ozone. Studies conducted both by scientists and Spiritualists unanimously agree on the characteristics of ectoplasm.

Spiritualism always seeks to show correspondences between Biblical stories and evidence of psychic phenomena, and there are many examples of materialization in the Bible, often within the context of the Christ story. There are also additional references throughout the Old Testament in the materialization of angelic forms, hands of God, and other known spirit entities. Specific references can be found in Acts 1:3, I Corinthians 15:5-8, Matthew 17:2-3, John 21:14, and others.

While the Spiritualist understand the manifestations of materialization and dematerialization to be attributes of physical mediumship, the scientist classifies these phenomena under PK or psychokinesis, which is kind of an umbrella term that encompasses many kinds of phenomena. It’s important to note that science does not classify materialization as part of survival phenomena that includes hauntings, apparitions, poltergeists, spirit photography, possession, and reincarnation. One can see that materialization is an action of psychokinesis, whereas hauntings (and the like) are the results of survival phenomena.

In addition to materialization are the related phenomena of teleportation and apportation. Both terms infer the movement of objects or forms through space, but teleportation is the action and an apport is the object moved. Also, an apport is specifically an object or form that has materialized, versus an asport which is an object or form that has dematerialization. Much thought has been given as to how the action works. Of the various theories, the Disintegration Theory is most recognized as it’s in agreement with the Law of Transmutation of Energy. Under this theory, objects and forms disintegrate into a finer molecular makeup (dematerialize) and then are reintegrated (materialize) at a new location.

In the context of Spiritualism study, one may see how close the Spiritualist and scientist have come in their pursuits to better understand psychic phenomena. Modern science has given the world abundant research to support much of the teachings of the ancients, as well as what had already been learned by the Spiritualist through mediumship. Some of these great insights have included the understanding that the universe is in a constant state of motion manifested in vibrations and frequencies. It’s been verified that both sounds and colors exists outside the spectrum recognizable by human beings, but verifiable in the laboratory. Perhaps in the not too distant future, Spiritualism will become a recognizable aspect of science, just as science is a recognizable and required aspect of Spiritualism.

The discovery process of experimentation, documentation, and new understanding are the same both for Spiritualists and scientists, and each have brought a wealth of knowledge to the study of psychic phenomena. Dr. Thelma Moss stated that “... we stand on the brink of a major scientific breakthrough… In research centers the world over, scientists are pushing forward investigations into psychic realms of human life.”

Spiritualism: Spiritual & Physical Nature of the Individual

In Spiritualism there is a triune being of spirit, soul, and body. All three are animated by Infinite Intelligence. Spirit is the highest or innermost principle. Soul is the spiritual body and the intermediate principle. And the body is the outermost principle and serves as the vehicle for the first two.

The soul, or spiritual body and intermediate principle of the physical body and spirit, acts as the vehicle for the spirit to contact the material. The soul is the spiritual equivalent of one’s material body. At the time of death, it withdraws from the physical body and functions throughout eternity. The souls is the vehicle of expression of the spirit in the Spirit World. The soul has its counterpart of one’s physical senses, but its senses have an acute awareness in their ability to feel or sense the things of a much finer vibration. These are qualities of the soul.

The innermost life principle and the highest attribute of the individual comprises qualities of the spirit, which is the motivating power of all matter and exists in its highest vibration in the soul of the individual. It is the the spirit that gives one consciousness, reason, memory, personality, and individuality. It is also the spirit that gives one immortality. One’s spirit is their God part. Perfect, never changing and never dying.

One’s duty as a spiritual and physical being is twofold. There’s both a duty to oneself and a duty to others. Duty to oneself is to gain knowledge of the world(s) around as well as the world(s) within. As this knowledge is gained it must then be applied. Every individual must remain on the path of progression. One must recognize that in this life, they are creating their eternity. In recognizing that one is a spirit temporarily encased in a physical body to experience Earth life, one may dispel all limitations and recognize the continuity of life. Additionally, one’s duty to others should be to serve in such a way that others too may reach the same level of understanding and spiritual development. Our service to others helps to raise the vibration and perfection of all humanity. This concept of service is reflected in the Golden Rule to not only do unto others as you would have them do unto you, but to do for others as you would do for yourself.

One must learn to obey the Natural Laws of Nature to properly care both for one’s physical being and spiritual well-being. The physical body must be properly cared for as it houses the spirit. The mental must be nurtured for one’s thoughts create one’s tomorrow. And one must obey spiritual laws because the spiritual body continues in the hereafter.

Our duty to our fellow beings can be summed up through service to others. As one grows spiritually, one begins to think more about others too. One becomes more charitable and think in terms of brotherhood as one begins to see the needs of their community, country, and the world. One’s primary concern becomes one of service and how one can be of service to others.

Jesus said, “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This means that the same way one loves themselves; proper care both physically and spiritually to unfold and develop as eternal beings is the same way one must treat their neighbor or fellow being. Regardless of a neighbor’s behavior  or attitude, they are also a child of God.

A definition of life may be viewed in different ways. In a purely scientific approach, life is the property of plants and animals to feed, grow, adapt, and reproduce. It is a quality that distinguishes living things from inorganic and so-called dead things. However, in the Spiritualist perspective life both here and hereafter comprise one life, whose continuity of consciousness is unbroken by death. While it is recognized that life in the flesh differs from life in spirit, it remains one life differing only under the conditions in which it is lived.

The Law of Life is sometimes referred to as the one law behind all other Natural Laws. The Law of Life gives expression and existence to everything that exists and it is God’s law. It is the controlling force of the relationship between the individual and the infinite or God. As one allows themselves to be aligned with God, the Law of Life is expressed to its fullest and one may experience joy, peace, health, happiness, and prosperity.

To be a student of the Law of Life is to make it one’s eternal teacher. The Spiritualist knows that its truth is planted in every heart and that the law pertains to one in the flesh the same as it does to one in spirit. Love is the fulfillment of the Law of Life. Development is the real aim of life.

Reference: Morris Pratt Institute, Course on Modern Spiritualism, Lesson 8

Spiritualism: Teachings & Views

Spiritualism is considered a natural religion, or one based on Natural Law, which is the orderly, progressive, evolutionary process of Infinite Intelligence that manifests in every aspect of nature and life, seen or unseen. Spiritualism devotes itself to awakening the spiritual perception of human beings in a natural way.

Spiritualism accepts that:

1. Each person is a soul.
2. One is a soul now, animated by spirit.
3. One is co-eternal with God.
4. The real person is the soul.
5. The soul survives bodily death.
6. The object of life on Earth as spiritual beings is to unfold physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The foundation of Modern Spiritualism is the demonstrated fact of communication by means of mediumship with those who live in the Spirit World.

A Spiritualist is one who believes as a basis of his or her 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.

A Spiritualist who desires to lead a spiritual life should strive at all times both to see and think only of the higher and more beautiful things that one sees around and about. One should never dwell upon lower things of life, and should seek to avoid such emotions as jealousy, lewdness, and vulgarity. One must realize that by keeping their thoughts upon only the highest things, they become possessed of a pure heart. Also, by developing every talent one is quickening their spiritual perceptions. Additionally, one should work toward leaving an influence for good with all they come in contact, which will help bring the human race closer to perfection.

Spiritualism possesses an open-mindedness that embraces truths from all religions. Spiritualists have learned that humanity has grown in knowledge and truth through the efforts of many inspired teachers, sacred texts, and belief systems. Spiritualism accepts that no single source holds the absolute word on spiritual unfoldment, but that spiritual truth, understanding, and growth are found in the greater body of knowledge and experience gained through the ages.

Modern Spiritualism: views on the Bible, miracles, prayer, and vicarious atonement

Modern Spiritualism considers the Bible to be about history, prophecy, and spiritual phenomena. It’s value lies in its application to the life of the human race, as a meaningful transcript suggesting solutions to the problems of the times. However, there is no evidence that the Bible is infallible or the absolute word of God. As the Bible is studied, Spiritualists find psychic phenomena are a golden strand that weaves the book together from beginning to end. The Natural Law of the universe is clearly brought into evidence within its pages, and Spiritualism recognizes that the same psychic events can be produced under the same circumstances today.

A miracle is considered to be a supernatural or supernormal event; a deviation or suspension for some reason from Natural Law with the subsequent production of a wondrous act.

Spiritualism accepts the fact that the universe is subject to Natural Law, which is the law of God, or Infinite Intelligence, and this law has been set in motion to govern all creation. Natural Law is immutable and unchangeable; Spiritualism knows of no instance in which the Source has set it aside in response to any human appeal or suspended it for any other reason. Therefore, it can be stated that a lack of understanding tends to make one think that an act is a miracle or supernatural.

Prayer is the conscious mental activity of speaking to Infinite Intelligence, the God within. Realizing that we are spirit now, and infinitesimal atoms of the Infinite Spirit, we pray to the Divine Spirit within. Spiritualism teaches that true prayer is spontaneous and comes from the depth of the soul and needs no voicing.

Vicarious atonement is the belief that someone may make amends for the wrongdoing of another as a substitute. In Christian theology, vicarious atonement is the suffering and death of a person for the redemption or reconciliation of another. Vicarious Atonement is in direct conflict with the 7th Principle of the NSAC Declaration of Principles that states:

We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals, and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature’s physical and spiritual laws.

Additionally, vicarious atonement is an antiquated belief based on a sacrificial system that evolved because early humans believed the gods became angry with individuals and had to be reconciled by sacrifices, most often blood sacrifices.

Modern Spiritualism: views on reincarnation, numerology, astrology, palmistry, Ouija boards, Crystal Gazing and Tarot cards

Reincarnation is a theory or belief that a person is immortal and the soul returns after physical death to be reborn in a new human body.

The NSAC does not present reincarnation from the church platform. Chartered auxiliaries shall be allowed to openly discuss and teach the theory of reincarnation, with the clear understanding that the NSAC official position is that the theory of reincarnation has not been satisfactorily proved or disproved. Each member of the NSAC may form their own opinion and will not be required to accept or reject the theory, nor will any punitive action be taken for such belief or nonbelief. Proof of the continuity of life as well as personal responsibility must continue to be the foundation of the religion of Spiritualism; therefore spirit messages shall not contain references to past lives or experiences.

Numerology is a system or belief involving the use of numbers. Numerologists claim numbers exert a kind of occult or mystical influence on the life of the individual. However, numerology does not attempt to express the continuity of life or communication with that life and is therefore not a part of the teachings of Modern Spiritualism.

Astrology is based on a series of mathematical progressions that describe planetary patterns that can be considered in relation to each other, mirroring back to us our human experiences. It assist one in gaining deeper insight into their life. It is a science based on the purity of mathematics designed to help us see ourselves as one really is, not how one thinks they are. However, astrology in no way attempts to express the continuity of life, nor communication with the Spirit World and is therefore not part of the teachings of Modern Spiritualism.

Palmistry is the art of predicting character and foretelling the future of an individual by studying and interpreting the lines and marks on the palm of the hand. However, palmistry is not a means of exploring the continuity of life, nor of communication with the Spirit World and is therefore not part of the teachings of Modern Spiritualism.

A Ouija Board is a polished board on which is printed the letters of the alphabet, the numerals one through nine, as well as the words “yes” and “no”. There is also a planchette on legs or rollers used as an indicator when touched slightly by sitters and spells out messages and answers questions from entities. However, results vary widely and some messages received can be inappropriate. In Spiritualism an external device is not necessary to contact spirit for messages; therefore the NSAC does not accept the use of such a device to contact spirit.

Crystal Gazing or Scrying is a form of clairvoyance induced by staring into a small ball of any color crystal, although a clear one is most typically used. However, Spiritualist mediumship is based on communication with the Spirit World and the medium need only rely on spirit entities. Therefore, crystal gazing is not part of the NSAC teachings.

Tarot is the French name for a pack of seventy-eight playing cards generally used for the purpose of divination. Both the symbols and images on the cards form a system of communication and a relationship between God, a person, and the universe. However, playing cards and Tarot cards are not part of the practice of mediumship for the same reasons as mentioned above. Mediumship is based on communication with the Spirit World and the medium need only rely on spirit entities.

A unique difference between Modern Spiritualism and most other beliefs is that Spiritualism takes its stand on what it teaches and practices as a way of life. In Spiritualism, nothing is taken on faith. Spiritualism is a creedless religion, a natural religion, and a religion of progression. It did not come into existence and inherit the name of its founders. It is a composite of many kinds of people from all walks of life.

Once established, one begins to see the path ahead for a Spiritualist is paved with personal responsibility to make their own happiness and salvation. Realizing that one holds the scales and renders their own judgement encourages each to lead a life in tune with Natural Law. One further learns that their sole (soul) purpose in life is to unfold spiritually, mentally, and physically. Fear of death is completely removed as there is no death or dead. Life is a continuous line into eternity. Death is merely a change in atmosphere or environment from the Physical to the Spiritual World. As Spiritualist, one may offer profound comfort both to the bereaved and those nearing their transition. A primary distinction between other world religions that teach a life hereafter and Spiritualism is mediumship in which the continuity of life may be verified.

The teaching of Spiritualism greatly encourages one to unfold their spiritual talents including inspiration, clairvoyance, clairaudience, and healing. As one develops these talents they become more aware both of themselves and their place in the universe.

Reference: Morris Pratt Institute, Course on Modern Spiritualism, Lesson 7

Spiritualism: Life in the Afterlife

Welcome to the strange and delightful world of life in the afterlife. We will begin with the basic question of why one should even wonder or believe in such a thing. A couple of reasons to consider: An intelligent consideration of life after death based on experiential evidence can empower people in their everyday affairs by helping them to better prepare for the greater part of eternity. Also, one can identify what is truly important in this life. Through Spiritualism one comes to the understanding that the world and the whole material universe exists for the sole (soul’s) purpose of developing spiritual beings. Profound thoughts, indeed! Death is but a doorway into a new world where life continues both in expected and unexpected ways.

As has been done in previous essays, following is a look at the interpretation of life after death by earlier cultures. It’s always so interesting to find how closely early native peoples belief mirror those of Modern Spiritualism. The picture of continued existence that the early native people conceived of closely resembles the life they lived in the physical world. The primary difference in that one world is seen and the other unseen. Also, the prevalent belief both in animal and human sacrifice at the time was supported by the understanding that life would continue in much the same, if not the same, as it did before the sacrifice. In China and Japan, there was a pervasive belief in ancestor worship in which it was believed that the spirits of the dead were in communication with the living and held some influence too, and that their “help” required sacrifices. Though this belief has gone through some refinement through the ages, the belief essentially remains. And Brahmanism introduces one to the belief in the transmigration of souls, or the idea that a soul may have a subsequent life in any other life form be it animal, plant, or human in order to develop spiritually.

A further exploration is given from the intellectual and scientific points of view. Professor William James speaks of his “transmission theory” in which consciousness is transmitted in the same way that matter is transmitted. Science has shown that all matter is made up of atoms that may also be broken down into neutrons, electrons, and protons. By their nature as electrical forms of energy, they can be considered ethereal both in nature and function. Sir Oliver Lodge insisted that all matter had an etheric double, which suggests a world both seen and unseen. Returning to the concepts of Natural Law, James Hyslop writes that death is a simple law of nature and that if one can assure themselves that it is a mere transitional process to a new environment, one would gain an entirely new perspective on life.

The Spiritualist perspective comes naturally through mediumship as it is through communication with the higher order of beings, those residing in the Spirit World, that we are to learn of its existence and properties. While communication between the two different states of being is difficult and somewhat experimental on both sides, much knowledge is still to be gained. In most cases, the subconscious mind is the only point of contact between the two worlds. The contact received comes in the form of impressions made upon the subconscious mind that must be interpreted by the medium. Sometimes coloring or distortion of the message occurs, but through repeated experiences and comparing experiences of other mediums, the truth is seen.

Primary to the philosophy of Spiritualism are two basic concepts regarding life after death. First that spirits are real people, just like you. They are men, women and children who have left their flesh bodies behind through the door of death while still retaining recognizable bodies known as spiritual bodies. And, second, that the Spirit World is a real world. It is just as real to spirits as our world is to us.

Life after death comes down to a matter of learning to expand one’s own awareness. It’s the departure from one state of consciousness into that of a greater one. The primary difference being one of vibration. One learns that in the physical sphere, we are aware and exist in a limited range of vibrations within which our existence is real to us. However, consider that the universe is vibrating within an unlimited range of motion creating worlds within worlds and states of being beyond our comprehension. Therefore, life after death is a range in vibration different from that which one currently experiences. The key is expanded  awareness.

Once one becomes acclimated to the Spirit World, what might they expect? Here one learns that the Spirit World is similar to our own though with landscapes more awesome than those seen on Earth. Furthermore, one finds that spirits themselves continue living and growing through similar activities to those in physical life, but with the primary difference being that service to others is paramount and the primary focus for further growth. Additionally, occupations in the Spirit World tend to be more about personal development and ridding oneself of misintruction gained on the Earth plane. Also, the acquiring of greater knowledge is greatly emphasized.

Andrew Jackson Davis, a prominent Spiritualist of the late 1800s, describes what one might expect to encounter on the other side. He writes of three specific degrees of form that spiritual beings develop on Earth, which are the young and unmatured; the advanced stages of these (young and unmatured) up to manhood; and the perfected form and most developed of them all. Davis also describes three planes of spirits that almost seem conceptual in nature. There is a plane of natural thought; a plane of causes; and a plane of effects. Each plane bringing greater wisdom into the workings of the universe.

From all the history, accounts, investigations and knowledge gained through the Spiritualist approach to death, one has the opportunity to come out of it with, indeed, an expanded awareness and, perhaps, a new sense of being.

Pony & Pool Dreams

If you follow my dream posts, then you know I have vivid and unusual dreams. Last night I had another pair of odd ones. In the first dream, I’m in a parking lot that doesn’t have very many cars left in it. It’s late afternoon and there’s a large blue semi trailer parked at the far end with a small group of unscrupulous characters around the front end and a dude in black clothing sitting in the cab. I’m about 50 yards away with my work partner and a pony. My partner and I are undercover agents, not police exactly, but some kind of group who fights against animal cruelty. In this situation, we know that the people we’re meeting are in the business of selling ponies into something unsavory like forced racing or maybe a glue factory. My partner and I are a man and a woman, and I’m the woman. Also, in this dream reality, it’s normal for people to have X-men like powers. As my partner and I approach the semi with our pony, the pony balks and tries to trot away. I then use my powers to capture the pony and bring it to the semi. I should mention that until I used my powers, I didn’t know I had powers. I just instinctively put my hands out toward the pony and this blue light shot out. It surrounded the pony and immobilized it. I easily lifted it off the ground and carried it to the bad guys where I placed it inside the semi. This truck had a door on the front end right behind the cab. The inside of the semi was dark and empty. I had this notion that I would be going with our pony decoy in the truck and proceeded to enter the semi too, but the door suddenly closed in front of me before I could get in. I realized at this moment that this game was going to play out differently than I thought and we may not be able to save the pony in the process. I felt immediate regret for using the pony in this way. I knew it trusted me. At this point, my dream consciousness shifted from the woman to the pony inside the truck. As the pony, I knew I was in dire danger. It was dark inside the truck and completely empty. I reached a foreleg out tentatively toward the door knowing it wasn’t going to open and then stepped back. Everything then faded to blackness.

In the second dream, I’m in the backyard of my parent’s house, not the house they actually have in waking life, but in the context of this dream. I’m myself and the age I am today. The day is warm and it’s sometime in the late morning. I’m admiring the new swimming pool and hot tub combination they have recently installed. It surrounded by a wooden fence for privacy and set amongst whitestone pavers. It’s unlike any I’d ever seen before. The pool was a large rectangle and off one side was... not the hot tub, but a beautiful bathtub with chrome fixtures! It was a huge outdoor bathtub, easily large enough for 2-3 people. It seemed to share the same water and filtration system as the pool, but the water did not spill or flow into the pool. The hot tub was completely separate from the pool and bathtub. It was off the far side of the pool. It’s design mimic the design of the pool, only smaller but still plenty of room for 4-6 people. However, it also shared the same water and filtration system as the pool and bathtub. This filtration system functioned as a channel that connected the pool and bathtub to the hot tub. I could see small pieces of debris, like leaves, being carried down the channel and into a reservoir on the side of the hot tub. I placed my hand in the water of the pool and noticed it felt warm, which surprised me. I figured it too must be heated. The water itself was a light emerald green, rather than blue. I suddenly became aware of a long piece of clear plastic floating in the pool. I tried to fish it out, but it was caught in some kind of current. It got swooped into the filtration system. I watched it go down the filtration channel and into the reservoir. I was impressed by the system. I said to myself, “I should put on my tail (I have a merman tail...) and go for a swim.”

Spiritualism: There is no Death

My personal perspective toward death has been formulated over the course of many years both through personal study and experience. While I was raised in the Protestant Christian tradition, its approach never truly resonated with me and I spent many years exploring other religious and spiritual beliefs, including Pagan, Eastern, and New Age philosophies. However, my journey has led me to Spiritualism where its entire philosophy resonates most profoundly. I have long since given up the notion of death being an annihilation of being, nor of an eternal, senseless bliss or damnation. I came to the understanding that it was a change, but I did not know exactly what that change would be. Would I become a ghost haunting the living? Would I ascend to some realm of light and pure creative expression? A study of Emanuel Swedenborg’s experiences and writing was, perhaps, a first step toward a better understanding of death. But, as already stated, it has been through Spiritualism that my greatest understanding and peace of mind have come.

In the nonsectarian world, death holds much fear over many people’s lives because they view clinical death as the absolute end of life. Following are the steps to ensure clinical death has taken place:

1. Tap patient on shoulder and inquire, “Are you alright?”
2. Tilt head back and lift chin up to open airway and check for respiration.
3. Notice failure of chest to rise and fall (i.e. no breathing for prolonged period of time).
4. Listen to the chest for a sense of a pulse or heartbeat.
5. Pupils will be dilated/enlarged and the eyes fixed, slightly open.
6. Dependent lividity will be present, which is hardening of the of the muscles in the jaw, shoulders, elbows, and knees.

If one truly believed that those things that make up each of us, such as hopes, dreams, aspirations, personality, etc. suddenly end with the death of the physical body, then life would loses a great deal of meaning and value.

So what is the meaning of death? Some thoughts that are closely aligned with the meaning of death include: Is there rebirth of the biologically deceased? Is there some order of existence in another dimension of life referred to as the hereafter? And, if a hereafter exists, what is the relationship between our physical and spiritual lives?

Many have come to regard death as a question of growth. The growth gained through a true understanding and appreciation of death is one of the higher levels of enlightenment anyone can achieve.

Ancient humans were the first to produce concepts about death. Many ancient cultures viewed death as a mysteriously, supernatural event. For instance, the Maoris believed that one died because they had not been properly baptized, and the ancient Greeks believed that death and disease were originally locked in a box that was opened against the wishes of Zeus and released upon mankind.

The United States, in regard to death, is frequently called a death-denying society because the subject of death is both difficult for many people to even think or talk about, and the process of aging is denied as well. People spend great amounts of money in order to retain a youthful appearance and seek to avoid death altogether if possible. In a death-denying society, the change called death is viewed as an enemy to life. It’s further seen as an annihilation of the human organism and all that a person is. Death-denying creates unnecessary fear in individuals and creates an underlying disregard for life itself. The attitude of “what does it matter if we’re all going to die anyway” becomes pervasive.

Early Native Americans held an essentially fatalistic view in regards to dying. When aging or sickness became apparent, the matter of potential death was turned over to the gods, or spirit, to make the ultimate decision on whether the person would die or continue living. An individual that was either aging, sick or dying would have been left alone in a dwelling or sent adrift in a canoe with both food and water. The belief was if the gods wanted the person to live, the sick individual would survive. If not, it was the will of the gods. Death was considered a natural part of life and by no means a final end.

Both in Hinduism and Buddhism, the ultimate goal of death is two-fold: To meet death both as an end product of life, and as an actual and necessary ingredient in the life process itself. More so, it’s viewed as an instructive experience– a direction to live physical life fully with meaning.

Death with meaning and dignity are the keynotes of the Jewish approach to death. The worldly commitments of life are taken care of to the satisfaction of the dying individual, as well as time to make peace with their God. The natural end of life is accepted as the fate of physical existence, decreed by God. While wishing for continued life is considered insensitive and unrealistic.

Dr. Kubler-Ross’s describes five stages of death acceptance shown below. These stages represent vital information for anyone interacting with a person facing end of physical life situations because her research brings a greater awareness of the dying person’s state of mind throughout the process and offers a guide or roadmap for those who may be of service to dying persons.

1. Denial: Once one learns that death is closely approaching, they are often in a state of unacceptance. This period is necessary as it allows one to gather their thoughts and get used to the idea of their own death.
2. Anger or Rage: “Why is this happening to me?” Is the inevitable question. The situation seems unfair in relation to those not facing death all around them. Any person or object may become the target of a dying person’s anger. It is considered the most difficult reaction to be faced. Supportive people around the dying must keep this in mind and act accordingly.
3. Bargaining followed by Depression: The dying make make pleas to God or the universe to save their lives if they perform some virtuous action like a devotion to God, helping the needy, never being judgmental, etc. in order to postpone fate. However, once the awareness that fate cannot be postponed sets in, then depression replaces the bargaining. One may feel a great sense of loss; however, it too serves a purpose in preparation for the acceptance of imminent physical separation and emotional healing.
4. Acceptance: The final stage is acceptance of impending death through a deep, personal understanding from the stages previously experienced. It’s important to note that some people do not go through all the stages before acceptance, and others return to previous stages even at this point. We are all unique in our approach to death.

Spiritualism teaches that the physical body houses the soul in the physical realm. It’s required in order to fully experience the nature of the physical world in the same way a person would wear a dive suit to fully experience the underwater world. Death refers to a demise of the physical body only, or a removal of the physical sheath that houses the soul. The soul is eternal and cannot die.

Death is also viewed as a doorway to an expanded perspective or awareness of the true nature of life and what it actually means to be “living”. Death is simply a stage in the eternal process of existence. Death is transformative. It’s a release from a confining existence into an expanded and expanding one, like the caterpillar who enters a cocoon and emerges a butterfly.

Also, our awareness or consciousness is not destroyed in the death process. Our true nature, those things that make up an individual, does not change at death. Death neither takes away from the true self, nor does it glorify it. Death does not erase our memories or feelings for loved ones who remain in the physical world. Think of it more as a move, like moving to another state or job. The people one knew at their previous residence or position are not forgotten, even though new experiences and people are yet to be known. Once it is understood that life goes well beyond the physical grave, the fear of death loses its grip.

Spiritualism’s approach to death is refreshing in that it combines realism with profound enlightenment, and an awareness with provable facts. While death gives an appearance of finality, it is nothing more than an illusion. Science has taught us in the physical world that energy is never completely destroyed, just changed in form.

The official NSAC philosophical Principle that establishes the basic understanding of death and dying is Declaration of Principles #4:

We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continues after the change called death.

Psychic accounts of the death process offer insights beyond the physical aspects and reveal a completely different experience of the dying individual as they become acutely aware of the spiritual world. It is like an enlarging and defining of the pattern of one’s own life. Using the psychic connection, those in the physical world can get a glimpse of this expanded experience yet to come.

The psychic Betty, wife of Stewart Edward White, gave many psychic accounts of death. One of them firmly stated that you take with you to the Spirit World what you are. This was called the real continuity. This means that we must do away with the superstition that one’s handicaps here will be instantly eliminated there.

Andrew Jackson Davis said that the change called death is really a change in situation. This means that a person changes from a physical to a spiritual environment.

Davis felt that death was a continual process, not just something that finally happens to end one’s life. He explains that the body does not complete the death process over a few hours or days, but for many years. During this period, the faculties and powers of the inner being gradually release their proprietorship over the form and the soul continues its aspirations toward the higher spheres. Everyone must understand that as soon as the human organism is perfected in its form, size, and general developments, and as soon as the spirit exercises full control over the body, the process of transformation or death begins.

The relationship between life and death is simply change. Additionally, the relationship is continuity as well. When one accepts that death is merely a change in form, then the words “life and death” can be restated as “life and change”, which changes everything.

A conscious perceptual experience that takes place during some clinical death situations is called near-death experience or NDE. A near-death encounter may be defined as any conscious perceptual experience that takes place during a near-death encounter. Such experiences are characterized as one who has been so near actual death that one is pronounced clinically dead; but, in spite of this, they survive.

Those who have had and remember their near-death encounters often return with an attitude to cultivate a sincere love for one’s fellow beings. Also, many people stress that acquiring knowledge is an essential part of life that continues after the change called death. Lastly, none of the individuals felt that the death process was morally purifying as some world religions believe. In other words, death is not the great equalizer that immediately makes one both morally and spiritually whole ready to start anew. Personal growth is eternal, so work on it now. People who have had near-death experiences have an almost overwhelming compulsion to make an effort to try to do better.

Through this broadened view of death, we can learn to lead much more productive lives here and now. To accept the reality of death is to accept the challenge of living. This is the true essence both of growth and life.

Reference: Morris Pratt Institute, Course on Modern Spiritualism, Lesson 5: Spiritualism as a Philosophy,

Part II