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Following The Path Of Spirit
by Carol Spencer
 
A brief history lesson on Spiritualism on on a few of those key people who through determination, dedication and loyalty to the spirit world have pioneered spiritualism as it is today. Mediumship has been in the lives of civilization from the beginning of documented time. It isn’t something new or new age. But until l848 the communication of spirit was systematically oppressed by churches and politicians , who in my opinion viewed communication with the spirit world a threat. The great outburst of spirit power that followed the experiences of the Fox sister in l848 brought joy and solace to thousand of lonely, bereaved souls. This was the beginning of the modern spiritualist movement as we know it today. Emma Harding Britten an enthusiastic orator for spiritualism and her discourses inspired all who listened to her. In l901 the spirit of a great reformer Robert Owen passed a concise summary of principles through Emma Harding Britten.

I have included the original 6 statements here:

1. The Fatherhood of God
2. The brotherhood of man
3. The immortality of the soul and its personal characteristics
4. Proven facts of communion between departed human spirits and mortals
5. Personal responsibility with compensation and retribution hereafter for all good or evil deeds done here.
6. A path of eternal progress open to every human soul that will to tread it by path of eternal good.

The teaching of spiritualism is so clear and definite that these principles were adopted at a meeting of societary delegates. I have included these principles more as an example of the tenacity of the spiritualist, namely Emma Harding Britten who in her quest to spread the word of true spiritualism to all and her unwavering belief in the movement.

Expounding ones own view and contradicting the Church was not a popular thing to do at the time. As a matter of fact Christianity has a long history of exterminating anyone opposed to their belief structure.

Some of you might have heard of the psychic college in England, Stansted. This college was originally a private home of Arthur Findlay. Arthur Findlay was a scientist and investigator and author of several books on Spiritualism and the explanations of the mechanics of the spirit world. He was also author to several books on the evolvement of religion, explaining in great detail where some of the church rituals originated from and how some of these rituals continue to be used today. He was a remarkable man who retired at the age of forty to devote himself to his studies and has influenced the spiritualist movement probably more than any other modern day person. So what is the point? The point is his dedication. He was so dedicated to this cause that he gave his home so that others could be educated and have the opportunity to explore the psychic and spiritual side of life as well as well as the esoteric side of life. The college has had the reputation of creating the finest mediums.

I mention these well known spiritualist’s and of their dedication because they are well known. Yet there are many other famous and some not so famous mediums that aren’t mentioned. We would be here a very long time if I start to list the contributions of various mediums. Without these mediums who have assisted the movement in any number of ways and without these tireless workers we wouldn’t be here today.

Throughout the ages orthodox religion have flourished and new religions have been formed and have become very successful. Yet Spiritualism is very slowly moving ahead. What do spiritualists have that gave them the impetus to continue to work with spirit in a time of peril to themselves? They had found their spirit within. The spirit of knowing. The joy of spirit.

The passion in their heart burned brightly in their quest for truth and in that truth they had a desire to share it and become a beacon of light for all others who would follow them. Many of the mediums who worked for the cause have not become well known figures, but are ordinary people like you and me. We offer service and solace to our fellow man. We have been drawn to spiritualism with an unknown desire. As we feed our own desire, that same passion that moved the likes of many historical spiritualists will be ignited within each one of us. It is by doing that we become. No on is going ignite that passion for us, it must come from within and it will be an ongoing and uplifting process, likely with doubt as well as with bursts of passion for our work with the spirit. Why you say? Well the answer is very clear as we become the individual we were born to be. Through honest introspection and awareness of the greatness of ourselves we become closer to spirit. Each one of us is on a very special journey of self discovery.  We each have gifts of the spirit to share and as we become aware of those gifts the spirit world rejoices and draws nearer to us. Each time we share these gifts the dance of joy in the spirit world begins. Now these gifts aren’t necessarily of mediumship (clairvoyance or healing). We each were born with a purpose in our life. No ones purpose is greater than another. Just as we are individuals, so is our purpose individual. The artist, musician, actress, mother, father, caregiver, all are here to share unique talents with the world. It is in the sharing of these gifts with our fellow man that we become closer to the spirit world. We have an obligation as human beings to be the best we can be. To walk our walk with dignity and humility.

We need to dance more often in the joy of being who we truly are. We need to worry less about who we would like to be. We need to remember that we are here for a reason and a very special reason at that.

The early pioneers for the most parts did not stand on podiums in the square shouting their points of view from the rooftops but by quietly spread the word. Each one of us can be ambassadors for the spirit world if we choose, by spreading the word and the light . Armed with knowledge and faith we can continue to strengthen the movement, reduce the fear of death and offer comfort in times of sadness. There is no finer compliment to the self than to speak your truth, from your heart and walk your path with dignity and grace.