MOD107 – Mediumship

Definition

Mediumship is the practice of purportedly mediating communication between spirits of the deceased and living human beings.

Explanation

Mediums, or individuals who practise mediumship, claim to possess the ability to communicate with spirits of deceased individuals. This communication may involve conveying messages, providing guidance, or offering closure to the living. Mediumship can be practised in various forms, including psychic readings, séances, or spiritual channelling.

Mediums often describe their abilities as a form of extrasensory perception, through which they receive information via the “sixth sense”. Some mediums report experiencing this communication through clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), or clairsentience (feeling).

In the UK, mediumship has a rich history dating back to the Spiritualist movement of the 19th century. Today, it remains a subject of interest, with some individuals seeking comfort or closure through mediumship services. However, it’s important to note that whilst many find solace in these practices, the scientific community generally regards mediumship as lacking empirical evidence.

Mediumship can be conducted in various settings, including private consultations, group sessions, or even public demonstrations. Some mediums work within Spiritualist churches, whilst others operate independently. In recent years, the practice has also found its way into popular media, with television shows and online platforms featuring purported mediums.

Whilst controversial, mediumship continues to intrigue many, sparking discussions about consciousness, the afterlife, and the nature of human perception.

Evidence to Efficacy

While scientific research on mediumship is still developing, there are some intriguing findings that suggest potential benefits and efficacy:

Anecdotal evidence and client reports indicate that many individuals find mediumship readings meaningful and comforting. A study led by Dr Caroline Starkey from the University of Leeds found that attending psychic nights, which often involve mediumship, helped ease people’s grief over the loss of a loved one. Interestingly, this effect was observed regardless of whether participants fully believed in the authenticity of the event.

Research conducted at the University of Northampton explored the psychology and phenomenology of Spiritualist mental mediumship. This study found that mediums scored significantly higher on measures of psychological wellbeing and lower on psychological distress compared to non-mediums. This suggests that the practice of mediumship may have positive psychological effects for practitioners.

The Windbridge Research Center in the US has conducted extensive research on mediumship and its potential impacts. They note that personal experiences of contact with the deceased can positively impact grief. While more research is needed, these findings indicate that mediumship may offer comfort and support to those dealing with loss.

A study published in the Journal of Anomalous Experience and Cognition explored the cognitive processes used by mediums during alleged communication with the deceased. The research identified themes such as focused attention, multitasking behaviours, and memory-related phenomena, suggesting that mediums may employ specific cognitive strategies to facilitate their practice.

It’s worth noting that the efficacy of mediumship is often viewed through the lens of personal experience and spiritual beliefs. Many individuals report finding closure, comfort, and a sense of connection through mediumship readings, which can be deeply meaningful on a personal level.

Whilst more research is certainly needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effects of mediumship, these studies suggest that the practice may offer psychological benefits and comfort to both practitioners and clients. As with many complementary approaches, the personal significance and healing potential of mediumship experiences should not be underestimated.

Neuroscience and Physiology

The neuroscience and physiology behind mediumship involves fascinating interactions between the brain, consciousness, and potentially quantum-level phenomena. While research in this area is still emerging, several intriguing hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanisms at work during mediumship experiences.

At the neurological level, mediumship appears to involve altered states of consciousness. Studies using EEG have shown that during mediumship sessions, practitioners often exhibit brain wave patterns associated with deep relaxation and heightened awareness, similar to those seen in meditation. Specifically, increased theta and gamma wave activity in the frontal and parietal lobes has been observed, areas linked to intuition and information integration.

The limbic system, particularly the hippocampus and amygdala, plays a crucial role in mediumship experiences. These regions are involved in memory processing and emotional regulation. During mediumship, the limbic system becomes highly active, potentially facilitating access to deeply stored memories and emotional impressions that could be interpreted as communications from spirits.

On a physiological level, mediums often report sensations of energy or vibrations in their bodies during readings. This could be related to changes in the autonomic nervous system, with shifts in heart rate variability and skin conductance observed during mediumship states. These physiological changes suggest a unique state of arousal that enhances sensitivity to subtle environmental cues.

Quantum physics offers some intriguing perspectives on the potential mechanisms of mediumship. The concept of quantum entanglement, where particles can be connected regardless of distance, has been speculatively applied to consciousness. Some researchers propose that consciousness itself operates on a quantum level, allowing for non-local connections that could explain the apparent ability of mediums to access information beyond conventional sensory inputs.

The quantum Zeno effect, which suggests that observation can influence quantum states, has been theoretically linked to the intention and focus of mediums during readings. This concept aligns with the idea that the act of observation by a medium could influence subtle energy fields or information patterns.

Chemically, mediumship states are associated with changes in neurotransmitter activity. Increased levels of serotonin and dopamine have been hypothesised to contribute to the sense of wellbeing and heightened perception often reported by mediums. Additionally, fluctuations in DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a naturally occurring psychedelic compound in the brain, have been speculatively linked to visionary experiences during mediumship.

The pineal gland, often referred to as the “third eye” in esoteric traditions, has been a focus of interest in mediumship research. This small endocrine gland produces melatonin and has been hypothesised to be sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Some researchers speculate that the pineal gland could act as a kind of “antenna” for extrasensory information during mediumship states.

While much of the science behind mediumship remains theoretical, these hypotheses provide an exciting framework for understanding the potential neurological and physiological underpinnings of this intriguing phenomenon. As research in quantum biology and consciousness studies advances, we can expect to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms that facilitate apparent communication between the physical and spiritual realms.

Governing Body

There are no governing body for mediumship in the UK or globally, although there are several organisations that provide training, certification, and oversight for mediumship practices:

The Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU) in the UK offers structured training and certification programmes for mediums. They provide courses, workshops, and examinations leading to recognized qualifications in mediumship. The SNU also maintains standards of practice for its certified mediums.

The College of Psychic Studies in London provides comprehensive training programmes in mediumship, from beginner to advanced levels. While not a governing body, their courses are well-respected in the field.

The International Spiritualist Federation, based in the UK but with a global reach, provides a platform for spiritualist organizations worldwide. They offer workshops and seminars on mediumship development.

These organisations contribute to establishing standards and providing recognized training in mediumship. While they don’t have regulatory power, they play a significant role in shaping professional practices and ethics within the mediumship community.

What Good Looks Like

In the context of mediumship, a good experience should feel personal, meaningful, and emotionally resonant. Here’s what you can expect from a quality mediumship session:

• You’ll feel a genuine connection. The medium should provide specific, accurate details about your loved one that they couldn’t have known through ordinary means. This might include personality traits, shared memories, or distinctive physical characteristics.
• The information will be relevant to you. Messages should address your current life situation or answer questions you’ve been pondering. They shouldn’t be vague statements that could apply to anyone.
• You’ll experience emotional healing. A good session often brings a sense of closure, comfort, or resolution. You might feel a weight lifted or gain new perspectives on unresolved issues.
• The medium will demonstrate respect and empathy. They should create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process your emotions and experiences.
• You’ll receive evidence of survival. Beyond just relaying messages, the medium should provide convincing evidence that your loved one’s consciousness has survived physical death.
• The communication will feel natural and conversational. While the medium facilitates, it should feel as if you’re having a genuine interaction with your loved one.
• You’ll sense the unique personality of your loved one. The medium should capture mannerisms, phrases, or traits that are distinctly characteristic of the person being communicated with.
• The session will leave you feeling uplifted. Even if difficult topics are addressed, you should come away with a sense of hope, peace, or understanding.

Remember, a truly gifted medium serves as a clear channel, stepping aside to allow direct communication between you and your loved one. The experience should be about your connection, not the medium’s abilities.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are key questions to help you identify an exceptional mediumship practitioner, along with desired answers:

How do you distinguish between your own thoughts and messages from spirits?

Desired answer: Detailed explanations of their discernment process, such as describing different ‘feelings’ or ‘sensations’ associated with spirit communication. They might mention terms like ‘clairsentience’ or ‘claircognizance’ and explain how these manifest for them.

Can you describe your process of connecting with a specific spirit?

Desired answer: A step-by-step explanation, possibly including terms like ‘raising vibrations’, ‘opening chakras’, or ‘creating a sacred space’. They should mention how they validate the spirit’s identity through specific details or memories.

How do you handle situations where the spirit communicates distressing information?

Desired answer: A compassionate approach that prioritises the sitter’s wellbeing. They should mention techniques like ‘grounding’, ‘shielding’, or ‘energy clearing’ to manage emotional impact.

What ethical guidelines do you follow during a reading?

Desired answer: Mention of respecting free will, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding predictive statements about health or death. They should reference a specific code of ethics, possibly from organisations like the Spiritualists’ National Union.

How do you continue developing your mediumship abilities?

Desired answer: Ongoing practices such as ‘sitting in circle’, ‘meditation’, or ‘energy work’. They might mention specific techniques like ‘psychometry’ or ‘trance mediumship’ they’re exploring.

Can you explain how you protect yourself energetically during and after readings?

Desired answer: Specific protection rituals or techniques, such as ‘smudging’, ‘visualisation of white light’, or ‘crystal grids’. They should mention the importance of ‘grounding’ and ‘clearing’ between sessions.

How do you validate the accuracy of the information you receive?

Desired answer: A systematic approach to providing evidential information, possibly mentioning ‘linking’, where they connect multiple pieces of information. They should emphasise the importance of the sitter’s feedback in the validation process.

What’s your approach if a spirit doesn’t come through as expected?

Desired answer: Honesty about the unpredictable nature of spirit communication. They should mention techniques for ‘raising vibrations’ or ‘clearing blockages’, and explain how they handle such situations transparently with the sitter.

An exceptional practitioner MUST include discussions about ethical boundaries, respect for the sitter’s emotional state, and the importance of evidential information in their practice. Their language should reflect a deep understanding of mediumship terminology and processes, demonstrating both knowledge and experience in the field.

Self-Study Resources

If you’re interested in learning more about mediumship, then here are some great resources:

Books

The Afterlife Experiments: Breakthrough Scientific Evidence of Life After Death by Gary E. Schwartz – This book details scientific studies on mediumship conducted at the University of Arizona.

They Walk Among Us: An Investigation into the Phenomenon of After-Death Materialisation by Emma Heathcote-James – explore various aspects of mediumship and afterlife communication, based on interviews with mediums and those who have experienced paranormal phenomena.

Mediumship: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Spiritual Medium and Developing Psychic Abilities Such as Clairvoyance, Clairsentience, and Clairaudience by Mari Silva- A practical guide for those interested in developing their own mediumship abilities.

Online Resources

Spirit Guides Network – A YouTube channel that features interviews with mediums and discussions on spiritual topics.

Psychic Medium John Edward – A YouTube channel that offers insights into mediumship from a well-known practitioner.

The Windbridge Research Center – This channel provides scientific perspectives on mediumship and survival of consciousness.

Spirit Talk Radio explores various aspects of mediumship and spirituality.

The Medium Next Door is a Podcast hosted by medium Maureen Hancock, discussing mediumship experiences.

We Don’t Die Radio Show interviews with mediums, researchers, and experiencers of afterlife communication.

These resources offer a range of perspectives on mediumship, from practical guides to scientific investigations, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

Related Therapies

Energy Healing (MOD054): A range of therapies that manipulate the energy fields around the body to promote physical and emotional healing.

Reiki (MOD142): A Japanese energy healing technique that involves channelling universal life force energy through gentle or no touch. Reiki can be combined with sound healing to enhance relaxation and energy flow.

Shamanic Healing (MOD149): A practice that involves entering altered states of consciousness to connect with spiritual guides, retrieve soul parts, and gain healing insights.

Tarot Reading (MOD158): A deck of cards used for divination and self-reflection.

Crystal Healing (MOD037): The use of crystals and gemstones to promote healing and balance. Practitioners believe that different stones can influence the body’s energy fields, making it a complementary practice to Reiki.

Past Life Regression (MOD125): This therapy involves exploring past lives through guided hypnosis or meditation to gain insights into current life issues and spiritual lessons.

Channelling (MOD028): A practice where an individual allows themselves to become a conduit for information or energy from non-physical entities or higher consciousness.