‘READINGS’ AND 'SITTINGS'

A sitting or consultation is an interview with a medium who ‘tunes into’ the spirit world, not using any physical aids, like cards flowers, or crystals for example, for that is only what cards etc are, visual aids, [and they are as much for the client as the medium.] A ‘reading’ on the other hand uses all or any of the above, because the Clairvoyant is ‘reading’ the cards or whatever, as a guideline only on subject matter, [as a clue to what spirit wish to say,] suggestions to the medium of a memory or incidence taken from the clients past, just as the communications / clairvoyance works on the platform, or in the Open Circle.

There are three parties to consider here. 1. The spirit entity trying very hard to get through under less than ideal circumstances. 2. The 'client' or general public who might not know anything about this at all. 3. The medium, channel, middleman / messenger, who could be a Clairvoyant Medium of varying experience. The use of cards is frowned on by some people as being too near pure psychism, and perhaps not spiritual enough. This is a valid response by the less open minded, after all a reading is what the medium makes it.

I say to that idea; we all come to spirit awareness in different ways, and we open the door to that world at different speeds, if the hesitant newcomer is not to be put off by the enthusiasm of those in ‘the know,’ who are we to say ‘yea or nay’ to any introduction, even through the seeking of a ‘fortune teller’, for that is how so many think of us. Is this wrong, to think like that? Well if offence is taken at being accused of fortune telling, then pride might be the stinging factor, but an opportunity should never be lost to inform, to pass on spirit . Any question leads to another, and another, and another….Jump in there you spiritualists, I say!

I also feel very strongly that we must use whatevASer tools spirit make available to us for assisting them. And remember that in a church the energies are far greater than in the sitting room of a private house, and a little help in the suggestion department [cards or whatever] can be very welcome in the early stages of a cold silence. The beginner when first developing can practice on the family and friends with ‘props’ that with time are no longer serving any purpose, but still may have uses for the ‘sitter’, spirit and the client are the important ones here! Also remember its good for the client to see something going on for the confidence factor, and an established routine also give a professional appearance.

Questions:

WHAT DOES THE CLIENT LOOKS FOR IN A GOOD ‘READER’? Answer: A medium that will state that they DO NOT tell fortunes, one who makes it clear that they are not just psychic but a Spiritualist. You should expect the communication to be just like a church one but fuller and an opportunity to ask questions later. Although serving churches is not for all mediums, it is a personal choice.

Q: SHOULD I expect to have a chat first? Answer: Most mediums will give a ‘sitting’ to a genuine enquirer, but NOT want any information about you first, if they even look too much at you I would question what they are doing, reading your aura? A brisk manner is not impoliteness but rather an unwillingness to be drawn into conversation that might influence the mind during the consultation. In the old days the secretary would only give a number not a name! Any identification of person or problem is totally unwanted by the genuine spiritualist medium.

Q: HOW LONG and how much? Answer: The time taken can be a half hour to an hour, and the price might vary considerably from £15 to any amount, but as in any other service ask around for a reason for the price, popularity makes more demands on the person. “The labourer should be worth his hire.‿ At first the new medium might be slower, so ask how long have they been in service, also ask if the time is flexible and will the price increase with time taken, you do not want to be there all day even for a small amount charged, but nor do you wish to be rushed in and out!

GIVING READINGS:

The thought that cards are too near the psychic could be true with some people, who are perhaps nearer the entertainment industry than is the true spiritualist, but as a learning tool I found the cards [tarot or fairy] immensely useful as a ‘starter’ for my clairvoyant capabilities, and other casual friends find it less threatening when seeking information, because most people have heard of card readings.

The cards themselves do not matter to spirit, they are doing their work regardless, I have on many an occasion started with a reading and gone into a semi trance totally ignoring the cards altogether! Ordinary playing cards suggest to the ‘reader’ whatever spirit would want to say, so use anything you have to hand. Even just the one picture used [from anywhere] can change with the subject matter, so I recommend having a system that covers a lot of subjects in an orderly manner. This is what the basic tarot method does, and any pack will have the system clearly printed for you.

DO NOT try to REMEMBER EVERY CARD the guidance of spirit is the main reason for giving any kind of consultation or reading. But do remember what each place on the table is for what subject. Look at the pictures and let them suggest a relevance to the subject of that card. Let the eye be drawn to a part of the picture and dwell on it, this will start you off. A cloak is being worn, what is a cloak to be in a metaphor? An all-encompassing protection, is the garment behind or in front? Does this mean something is past of coming? The boat is going away with swords in it. What could this suggest? Is the client in the boat or it that another person? And so on….

THE PERSONAL READING / ‘SPREADS’

The Celtic Cross Spread – layout - has 10 cards on the table with most subjects covered, and always ask for questions just in case one has been missed, for a few instructions in the pack have alternative choices with a card. The past present and future card places are not for fortune telling, as this would remove the personal responsibility from the client. Basic Law see the Principles . Talk about the past for recognition of things the seeker will already know about this builds confidence – move into the present to say what is on the mind [spirit are aware of our problems] – going into the future is for preparation of things to come - attitudes that are best for anything need, spirit DO NOT tell us what is to come, and if the reader says that, then they are on an ego trip!

READINGS FOR THE CALENDAR This is the month-by-month reading. A good idea is to give writing materials as an aid to memory over the coming months; recordings are so often left on the shelf. Start at the next month and go on from there till the 12 are on the table. Remembering where you are is not important the client will know the ‘next month now’. Again, the object is not to be literal but to use the metaphor. A chance for your client to help another person, indicate if it looks like the workplace or domestic etc… A person is suggested to you, confirm who this is, describe them, is it a member of the family or colleague? I so often say to the client after describing a place, “Here spirit is giving you an opportunity. Don’t think about what you are going to say, when this [whatever] comes around, spirit will provide the words, all we have to do is be willing helpers." Spirit also wish to give the right circumstances and reassure us of our help being welcome, they might hint at things but will never do anything to upset or disturb.

READINGS FOR SPCIFIC PURPOSE

Work etc…Look for a pattern that seems to be right. Suggestions are often in the pack you buy. For straight foreword decisions I use the ‘Flying ducks’ layout. This is one card on the left – and two paths going outwards [up and down] of about six more cards each way. Before you start to put them down sate which one is for what purpose. I.e. the higher line is say, the job in Africa and the lower the one to stay at home. Here you are limiting the reading to two ways to go, it can of course be more that that – but don’t get too confusing keep it simple.

SO, TO SUM UP, a good reading is not letting the cards or accessories get in the way of spirit help. Reassure the sitter “Never fear that there could be any embarrassment, or information given that would upset or frighten you, this is not possible, for they only come in love." And “The medium is there not to tell fortunes but to pass on advice and ‘nudge’ in the right direction, the spirit friends, family and guides are so waiting to love you and tell you they care! “ Also “Whatever is said the medium will not remember afterwards it just passes through on its way to you" Get a recommendation of a good teacher from another interested party [and sort out the time and money thing first, when you book the course.] Experiment with these different things and you will find that your abilities are progressing in all areas and confidence brings success…Here are some refresher questions for you to test your memory….

QUESTIONS:

1. What is the difference between a spiritual reading and a psychic one?
2. What do you say to the idea that using aids like cards is a bad thing?
3. Is fortune telling possible from spirit?
4. Why do you give that answer?
5. What part might pride play in the fortune telling area?
6. What should a client look for in a good ‘reader’ or medium?
7. How will the medium behave before the sitting? Friendly and chatty?
8. What kind of cards are best?
9. Do we remember every card and subject place?
10. What kind of reading is the ‘Celtic Cross’ usually used for?
11. What other spreads can you think of from your pack instructions?
12. Name some reasons that a client might come for a reading.

Answers

1. Psychic awareness is the first ‘door’ we open and spirit helpers come in.
2. Cards and other aids are exactly that – aids to the learner and for the benefit of clients memory
3. Spirit do not ‘do’ fortune telling
4. Because it would be taking away our personal responsibility of which path we take.
5. Pride/ego is a fire fanned by flames of flattery and ‘wide eyed’ incredulity.
6. Client needs are a professional ‘up front’ information service.
7. Friendly but not chatty, as this can influence and seen to be ‘fishing’ for information.
8. Any cards to suggest things, with pictures are best.
9. No, only the place subject headings.
10. The all purpose general subject reading.
11. Have another look!
12. Curiosity, worries about health, jobs, family etc.                           End