THE SPIRITIST SOCIETY OF FLORIDA
Established in 1982

Ed Crespo Director

FEBRUARY 2005 NEWSLETTER
PARAPSYCHOLOGY FOUNDATION CONFERENCE – MEDIUMSHIP

I found out about the 40th Parapsychology Foundation International Conference from Robert Egby’s Parapsychic Journal and as a medium I was intrigued by their topic “The Study of Mediumship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives.” In addition, one of the presenters was a Spiritist and medium named Dr. Jesus Soto Espinosa, and, another presenter was Dr. Gary Schwartz, the well-known researcher and author of The Afterlife Experiments book. Fortunately, the Foundation (established in 1951) was for the first time permitting paying non-members to attend so I notified some other Spiritists regarding this conference.

Dr. John Zerio, PhD. and his wife of the Allan Kardec Educational Society, Mr. And Mrs. Korngold of The Spiritist Group of New York, and Ms. Janice Imel (founder of a Spiritist Study Group in Oregon but now trying to start one in Oklahoma), and myself attended. I was very pleased they came and it was satisfying to me to discuss amongst us and compare, what the presenters were saying, in light of what the Spiritist Doctrine teaches. We were also able to speak with the presenters themselves during the conference breaks, plus with other psychologists and mediums from other groups (non-Spiritists) there, exchanging ideas and business cards.

At the Conference, after each presentation, a pre-select group of professionals was allowed to question the presenters and discuss the results of their research. Other audience members were allowed to comment or ask questions only after them, with very little time to do so. Someone did however, stand up and asked who in the audience in attendance considered themselves “mediums.” Quite a few hands went up (including mine). As I sat quietly listening to the presenters at the conference, I became aware that the room became filled with many gentlemen with serious faces, dressed in old fashioned suits from around the 1840’s and on up. Of course, I knew these were spirits. As soon as I noticed these men, a voice clearly said to me, “They are here to observe and inspire.” I then saw who looked like Allan Kardec, himself, come into the room for a few seconds, look about (he did not look at me), nod his head (as if with approval) and then I saw him no more.

As a Spiritist, I was extremely proud and pleased to see Allan Kardec mentioned by one of the presenters as an early pioneer in psychic research and a wonderful picture of Kardec was shown on a large screen for about 20 plus minutes during the presentation.

In my personal opinion, I found that many researchers there felt that mediums are now considered (they were not for many years) as legitimate tools for research involving: psi phenomena; mental mediumship; spiritual healing working in conjunction with scientific and/or medical clinicians; and, as a means to acquire data which could sufficiently prove conscious life after physical death and communication with discarnate entities (in other words, the existence of spirits and communication with them). In Dr. Schwartz’s presentation entitled Survival is in the Details: Emerging Evidence for Discarnate Intention from Mediumship Research, with his partner Julie Beischel, they are receiving distinct, unique, and personal proof of identity through the mediums they are using, which of course, indicates survival of the soul after death.

But, in my humble opinion, some of their terminology needs to be clarified because they consider a medium “possessed” even if the medium permits a spirit to voluntarily communicate through them. In general, the medical profession calls the mediums in a “disassociate state” while they are considered in trance. By the way, there is an actual psychiatric diagnostic code for “possession” [of a person by an unknown entity] whether actual or not. I was glad to hear that many of the professionals there felt that even if a person sees or hears “spirits” and/ or may be “possessed” by them, if "the person is socially and occupationally functioning effectively within society" they see no reason to consider that person in need of psychiatric treatment. That’s a good thing! In addition, the researchers discussed and were aware of the period when a person first starts their mediumship and noted that the mediums initially have problems during this period orientating themselves. It was stated that Spiritists assist and have classes for this type of thing (in regards to Spiritists in Puerto Rican Centers in New York City – five were studied in the mid-1970’s. It was noted by the researcher Dr. Koss-Chioino that she found that the mediums were very moral and the meetings very organized). I was also very pleased to hear Dr. Wellington Zangari clarify Umbanda mediumship sessions as being more of “a party” since smoking and liquor is used and this is nothing compared to the serious and sacred spirit sessions of Kardec’s Spiritists of which no such things are used.

Kardec’s The Mediums Book, Chapter XXIX, states that spirit communications can be of three basic types:
1) Frivolous – for amusement, mere curiosity, and with no serious purpose.

2) Instructive – for education regarding morality and spirituality. (At The Spiritist Society of Florida we conduct spirit communications in a sacred manner as “instructive meetings” with emphasis on moral improvement and in the education of learning spiritual laws).

3) Experimental – for the serious, a study of the laws of the invisible world. In my opinion, the presenters at the Conference are scientists who conducted (and continue to conduct) serious experimental spirit communications research. They are investigating the faculties of mediumship and trying to learn the spiritual laws of the invisible world.

Overall, I came away from the Conference very pleased and hopeful, as I truly believe that many of these experimenters are on the right track in trying to prove the existence of the soul that the faculty of mediumship is real, and communication between the material and spirit worlds is possible. Some are getting amazing results. I found the entire Conference very fascinating because I was able to listen and comprehend what scientists are currently thinking in regards the faculty of mediumship and what it all means to them at this current period in time. They are beyond asking: “Is there mediumship?” I believe many know it exists, but now they ask, “How can it be used and what does it reveal? Written by Yvonne Limoges

“Those researchers who have more open minds and less pride will accomplish more than the others. Mediums are now considered a good source in conducting research, a viable and legitimate option in discovering mankind’s inner spiritual potential and the spiritual laws governing the universe.” Spirit communication I received rearding the Conference - Y.L.

IDEAS OF SPIRITISM SPREADING

Articles in two recent Bulletins published by The Academy of Religion and Psychical Research featured the ideas of Spiritism and Kardec. In the September 2004 issue written by Michael E. Tymn, Allan Kardec was featured on its front page and recognized as an early pioneer of Psychical Research, and, in their December 2004 issue, an article written by Emma Bragdon, PhD (author of the recently published 2004 book Kardec’s Spiritism: A Home for Healing and Spiritual Evolution, about Spiritist Centers in Brazil) wrote about reincarnation within the history of Christianity and how the concept was removed from its developing dogma. In addition, the American Spiritualist magazine December 2004 issue of The National Spiritualist Alliance, information from an article written by The Spiritist Society of Florida was used. Spiritism, and/or the ideas which Spiritism teaches,are becoming more and more well known.

THE INERTIA IN OUR LIVES – Are we willing to change our ways?
We seem to be on automatic pilot going forward day by day, doing what we do each day, going through the motions…work, cleaning, watching TV, picking up and taking the kids to school, etc. But, are we thinking about what we are truly doing with our time or how we are actually acting? We think sometimes we should do this or that because it is important, and that we have certain bad habits that we can change later, or stop later, but later never ever seems to come…we still continue in the same manner without ever making those changes.

Wake up! This material life is very short. You are only here for a very short while on planet earth. How are you spending this valuable time?

If you are a Spiritist you know that you are here to better yourself in every way possible as much as you can and this includes: changing ones conduct for the better by being more charitable and less selfish; interacting positively with family and friends; getting rid of bad material habits (such as overeating, smoking, misuse or overuse of alcohol and/or drugs, etc.); just learning about things in general instead of watching mindless television shows full of gratuitous violence and sexuality because it is just easier to turn on the TV; interacting positively, actually talking, and bonding with your children; and in addition, and most importantly, learning about the spiritual laws and principles which help you to understand your true purpose and responsibilities in this lifetime because you know that it will better prepare you for your return to the spirit world.

You will be asked what you did with your time here on earth? Was it spent just having only what you thought was “a good time”? Were you more worried about how you or your house looked, than how you were behaving or fulfilling certain responsibilities? Was time spent in the acquiring of wealth and properties? Was it spent being self-indulgent in bad habits causing health problems that could have been avoided? Or, was it helping yourself (by learning and working on bettering your behavior) and helping others (in doing charity) as much as you possibly could?

Spiritists know that much is expected from those who know the true meaning of Life and they will be held accountable. If one truly accepts what the Spiritism Doctrine teaches one must make changes in our behavior. You are to spiritualize yourselves as much as possible not revel in materiality. It is only through a force of your own will that you can change this paralyzing inertia that has taken a hold of your lives…but it is never too late to force this change and your protector spirits are there to inspire you and assist you if your intent to change is sincere.

May God Bless all those who start now in this material life to prepare for the future life (your true home) that awaits you upon your return to the spirit world, for your transition and existence in that world with be then much easier.

Spirit communication received by Yvonne Limoges

GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO BE PERFECT

God does not expect us to be perfect. If we were we would not be here. What He does expect is for us to learn His Laws and try; as best we can, to abide by them. We are tested in our daily lives in various forms. Sometimes we fail but in the failure can come knowledge. It helps us to be stronger so that the next test can become easier in the deciding between right and wrong.

The hardest test is when our emotions and morals are pitted against each other. If we can learn to sit and sort out the two, than half the battle is won. The key question is: How will this help me morally and spiritually? Once this has been answered honestly, the next step becomes clear.

We are here to be tested and tried in varying degrees. Even the smallest test has its triumphs. Each brings a progression. Each has its own merit. God Knows what our capabilities are. The tests are given accordingly. The more we progress the harder the test. The more aware we are, the more responsible we are. By making the right decisions the stronger we can become. By our example, others can see, think, and learn.

With each test always remember to pray for guidance from God, the good spirits, and our spirit guide. If it is the Will of God they will answer. If it is God’s Wish that the decision be ours alone, without outside help, so be it. Weigh the moral and spiritual aspects and the answer that follows will be clear to you.

Spirit Communication received by Jacqueline Benenati

DUTY - (The Obligations Knowledge of Spiritism Brings)

“He who has learned moral comprehension from the spirits has a duty and a more advanced conception than others [of morality and spiritual matters]. He knows that responsibility goes along with knowledge, that the secrets of the afterlife impose upon him an obligation to work with more energy towards his own betterment than his other brothers [of other beliefs]…The constant practice of duty conducts us towards perfection and to accelerate this process we first have to study ourselves with total attention and submit our acts to a scrupulous analysis. We cannot remedy the evil unless we know it…We should consider our soul as it really is, and that it is an admirable thing even though it is very imperfect, and we have to note the fact that we have to beautify it and adorn it always. This thought of our imperfections will make us more modest and keep us from being presumptuous and vain… We should submit ourselves to a rigorous discipline. Just as we shape a shrub and give it the direction we desire, we can also modify the tendencies of our moral being. The practice of doing good makes it easy for us to act this way. Only the first efforts are the hardest. Above all, we have to learn to dominate ourselves. Impressions are flighty and change all the time; to have a strong will is to have a solid foundation for our soul. We have to learn to govern this will, and make ourselves owners of our own impressions and never let them dominate us…Man should never alienate himself from others but, it is important that he chooses his relations and friends carefully, and decides to live in honest and pure surroundings, where there reigns only good influences, where there are only tranquil fluids, and a good sense of well-being…” Written by Leon Denis, a contemporary of Allan Kardec

(Many also called Denis the “Apostle of Spiritism.” This excerpt translated from the Spanish into English by Edgar Crespo from the Denis’ book entitled After Death, Part Five – The Correct Path, Chapter XLIII - Duty.)

Newsletter edited by Yvonne Limoges

The Spiritist Society of Florida, 5042 22 Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

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