The Rate of Mediumship Development

There has been a recent surge in many Spiritualist Churches and Centres, of people attending who wish to develop Mediumship. One of the possible reasons is that Mediumship is now becoming more popular on Television and more and more people are able to experience Mediumship regularly. The result may be that more people believe it is something they wish to be a part of - something which is becoming more acceptable in our culture and that they have the opportunity to ‘shine’ in this arena.

One has to question the motives of many of those entering our Churches asking for development, for fear they associate it as mere entertainment and not the serious Religion, philosophy and science that Spiritualism is.

More than ever, the circle leader has to be prepared for new members who are not correctly motivated. For if they do not, those circle members as a group and as individuals will have their rate of  development hampered.

The rate of development will vary greatly between individuals and this is something that many students are not prepared for. Those who form close friendships with other developing Mediums often feel dejected when their abilities take longer to unfold. They may also find it hard to accept that their ability for Mediumship may not match their desire and that years of development will not be well spent if the student is unable to progress in this field.

It is therefore imperative that all aspiring Mediums recognise that the path of development is long and perseverance and patience are essential. Furthermore, a need to understand that the path is an individual one, that working to ones individual ability is the correct way forward and that comparisons with other students is unwise.

Negative and egotistical attitudes will slow the rate of development too. The student should feel inspired to develop, have the purest of intentions, be sincere and prepared to work in earnest. It is vital that for the correct rate of development, the student is committed to their circle or classes and doesn’t regard them as just a fun night out! Positive and determined qualities will ensure that the student will progress at the rate that is necessary for that individual.

The motivation of aspiring Mediums is fundamental as to whether an individual should attempt unfoldment. The office of Mediumship is responsible and precious. Those students unable to empathise with the bereaved, undesirous of spiritual study, or unaware that they must feel determined to serve others should refrain from development. Their intention to serve as a Medium must be of the purest intentions only. If the motivation is true to the office of Mediumship, the rate of development should not be hampered.

Another important factor determining the rate of Mediumship development is that of good mental health. Developing mediums often experience a heightened sensitivity. This sensitivity can make the medium particularly susceptible to negativity of thought and deed - particularly from others. If the novice medium is prepared for this, they can take steps to stay clear of negative people and situations and to find strategies which help them remain positive.

Given that if aspiring Mediums have genuine and unselfish intent, have the ability (which may or may not be inherited), are prepared to work hard, give serious regard to their mental health and commit to their development, they are likely to find that their development will develop at a rate that is appropriate for them.

Assisting the spiritual potential of aspiring mediums is possible with the right attitude and hard work. In addition, a positive, patient and supportive leader will be of great benefit too. A circle leader who views their students success by how quickly they can put them to work on the Church platform, has not got the interests of the student at heart. Some students can spend a significant time searching for the right circle leader to assist them. Furthermore, the attitude of the other circle members is key. A supportive and non competitive environment is very important too. If all these factors are positive the student is in a good position to develop at a suitable rate.

The aspiring Medium can do much to assist their own spiritual potential too. Studying the subject and spending time listening to their peers will help. An understanding of the subjects being studied instils a sense of confidence, on what can otherwise be a long route to achieve a goal.

This is particularly true for Mediums who seem to hit a ‘wall’ in their development. Understanding that this is normal, trusting our Spirit Teachers and remaining patient will often lead to new abilities and a consolidation of those already present. Patience assists spiritual potential. Spiritual truths and understandings cannot be rushed - they need to be assimilated into our lives gradually.

Spiritual potential can also be assisted in its development by being practical too. Making notes, analysing events and experiences and repeating experiments will all help the student of spiritual unfoldment. We can’t expect that all the spiritual knowledge will make sense to us in a physical world. But if we can make sense of some of it in our way and by methods we understand, our capacity for knowledge develops too.

Remaining disciplined with circle work and with the self is a great asset to assisting spiritual potential. Regular meditation, regular study and regular attendance of spiritual classes or circles will benefit the students rate of development immensely.

In summary, if the aspiring Medium is correctly motivated, realistic about their ability, patient, diligent, has a healthy mental attitude to their circle, their leader and their own self, applies compassion and discipline, there is little to hamper their development and much to assist their spiritual potential.

Helen DaVita 2007 http://www.sensingspirit.co.uk