STARTING A CIRCLE

First the leader needs to be sure about the difference between a medium and a psychic, because starting a circle has an aim, to assist mediumship.

The Psychics, whether conscious of it or not, receive or draw their information from the living vibrations of energy around them at earthly levels. The Mediums, unconsciously at first and later deliberately, adjust their level of consciousness, paying acute attention mentally to higher, faster vibrations of energy. By doing so, they receive information outside the customary normal communication levels used by mankind. It is rather like tuning from MW to VHF on a radio tuner. The Medium changes mental consciousness frequency so that, when attuned, communication received from the Spirit world can be passed on verbally. The medium then becomes a receiving and transmitting station, with no license fees to pay! BUT- as with a T.V. set, the instrument (the medium) has to learn how to control the frequency in use, in order to maintain control of any possible atmospheric interference of any kind.

See also “The Importance of the Developing Circle�?

Here are the different kinds:

a. Circles for all the sitters to assist in awareness and development meditation only.

b. As above with teaching.

c. Circles for all might be for one subject only - i.e. Healing or Philosophy

d. Individual development of a particular person who shows a specific ability

Plus - Training for physical mediumship would be Circle d.

The leader

It is the function of a good leader to encourage all aspects of spirituality, and also s/he needs to be a firm person who is kind but knows how to keep order. If you are inexperienced then the guidance of spirit is first and foremost - asking for help is first, the trust part is next! Don't be put off by thinking you are not good enough, spirit know your abilities!

Encouragment is the key, indicate by hand or eye gestures when to stand and when to sit down again - tactfully.

One step at a time got man on the moon! We are not on the moon and even if we were spirit is everywhere!

Seriously, each step is taken with the knowledge of help being on the way. You will not have any problems if you follow the basic steps…

Before Starting - Choosing Members

1. It is best if the student has the right attitude for development, all concerned need to be willing to give their time.

2. Work out a programme – who will do what – the format may be altered as time goes on, but a frame is good to start with so all know what to expect.

3. Like attract like. This is one of the basic rules of the universe! Only form a group with the people who are compatible.

4. If you do not know everyone, by this I mean personally, state at the beginning that there will be a probation period - tactfully. To see who ‘would be more suited to another group’.

5. How? Getting to know each other by going around the circle and asking each person to talk about themselves; this will show who is the quiet one to ‘bring out’, and who is the chatty one with whom you must not allow any ‘taking over’. It’s up to the leader when they are satisfied that all is well.

6. Tell the group that it is now closed to other new members – if you are not an ‘open-ended’ group.

7. Expectations or content, this is what kind of thing will be encouraged and what not. I.e. sharing is good; a member may stand and contribute an experience of spiritual growth or ‘happening’. But not any old thing that comes to mind with no object in mind!

The Start

1. Teaching the correct procedures in so important, for example the basic invocation [opening prayer to INVOKE spirit] is so often missed out by the careless leader, the protection from this prayer for the group is specifically to prevent any unwanted presence, by this I mean well intentioned spirits who are not suitable for the purpose of the group.

2. Ending with thanks to the spirit world is only polite too.

3. Explain each week what is the aim of this meeting. For example one week for messages and one week for philosophy, another for practicing standing up and saying a prayer if nothing else comes forward. Alternatively all of the above, till things get going, then filter into ‘special days’.

4. What to do if nobody does anything? The leader will direct.

5. Be clear that at first the information for the inexperienced giver might be vague, and not all received with a clear “Yes�?. This is not important, you are not in a platform situation. The main thing is to stand and build experience.

Directions

1. Each time a member speaks be sure they know to stand up first. This is so each has the respact of the group. The biggest fear is being thought a clot! Laughter has it’s place and the wise leader makes a light hearted atmosphere by not being too serious themselves.

2. A prayer wheel is a good way to have all the members get used to speaking out loud. Have all stand for this first. Starting with the self; say a few words of prayer, just a couple of sentences. E.g. “Dear Lord please bless this meeting and bring forward any special help for the needs of our guides and members.�? Explaining that a squeeze of the hand to the person on the right is the indication of ‘your turn now’.

3. This builds confidence, if you do it each week it must not take too long and all will know they need to be prepared – the quietest member if so shy will benefit especially, don’t allow anyone to miss out.

4. Help the frightened person by giving something to say, like “Bless this meeting�? this will do to start with. Then after a few meetings let them know that we are all expecting a bit more now.

The content of the meeting

1. An experienced medium will be aware of the spirit entity who is with the communicator [person giving a communication] and be able to help with information, the concentration is not broken when this is done correctly.

2. If this is not you, then ask spirit to guide the speaker, and give encouragement by body language – nodding and saying “That’s good.�?

3. Later on information given needs to be relevant but for the early days all is welcome within reason.

4. Again, later on learning about the difference between psychic and spiritual abilities is important. A lot of time could be spent on the static state of psychism, and delay mediumship development. Classes for this purpose are of more value when the leader attends both and can link the two forms of lessons.

5. Examples of both for teaching the difference will be made in the circle and brought forward as time goes by.

The Advanced Circle

When the experience is gained through all the above methods, the teacher / leader will express the difference between the beginners and the advanced circle by dicipline being brought foreward, this is by not allow anything other than the accepted spiritual communication, and perhaps useing the more formal format of the spiritualist church, this assists all in being prepared for other venues. One aspect of this is that the chairman adoes not give communications themselves, but is alert to the fledgling and giving personal instruction with each as they stand to communicate.

The other kinds of circle will be introduced and ordered accordingly. See ‘Circle Meetings – Different Types.’

What do you need to join a group?

An open mind and a willingness to offer service to the Spirit guides and helpers, who can't get enough of us to assist them!

It is important to be humble in the offering, because an over developed ego most certainly gets in the way!

So get up and go...!

End.