To Experience Spirit, is to Open Up to a New World
I am no longer hiding
“The sunflower was adopted as the symbol of Spiritualism in the 1800s. Because of its color, it is the emblem of truth and constancy.” ~ MPI Modern Spiritualism
Who Am I?
I am a Spiritualist and have always been one, even though I did not know it. I first began sensing spirit at the tender age of four. My parents were always supportive and never judged me. They knew it existed but did not understand it themselves. They only knew they had a daughter who had a connection to the spiritual realm. I was afraid of it because I did not understand what it was.
I immersed myself in the Catholic church as a young girl. My parents were not religious, so I went to church with my neighbors, friends, and on special holidays or occasions, my parents. Even though I was a practicing Catholic, the visions, sensing, feeling, and hearing never went away. It was there, just tucked away. Every so often I’d get premonitions, but always had an excuse for it, such as a show or movie I watched (though I rarely ever watched TV), overheard someone say it, or read it somewhere. Sometimes I would blurt out things that I saw, felt, or sensed without realizing it. Hence, my friends, family, and co-workers realized there was something there.
Now I laugh because sometimes people would come up to me and ask, “What do you sense from me?” But it was not that easy. It’s not like I look at you and begin sensing, seeing, or feeling. I recall responding, “It doesn’t work like that. I don’t have a switch to turn it on or off.” It’s true, there is no “magic” button to press and give out readings. I did not know I had to connect with spirit.
What Is Spiritualism?
The Oxford Languages defines Spiritualism as a system of belief or religious practice based on supposed communication with the spirits of the dead, especially through mediums. According to the National Spiritualist Association of Churches, spiritualism is a science, religion, and philosophy. It is a science because it investigates, analyzes, and coordinates data already proven from the Spirit world. It is a religion because it involves the belief and faith of a Higher Power, and it’s a philosophy because it analyzes the laws of nature, and accepts facts derived from past observations and current.
My Spiritual Journey
It wasn’t until tragedy struck my family that I realized there had to be something else. My oldest son died in a pedestrian accident and since the night of his death, I could hear, feel, and sense his spirit. “What is this?” I’d ask myself. “What is going on? What’s happening to me?” I thought it might be my wishful thinking, but it was too real and overwhelming. Then one night I prayed. I cried and prayed so hard and asked God to help me. If it was a gift, show me how to work with it. I’ll embrace it and use it for the highest good. I pleaded if it wasn’t from God, please take it away. A few weeks later, I found a Spiritualist Church where I learned to connect with Spirit. That was the beginning of my spiritual journey.
It is as old as Methuselah
Some see it as a new religious movement, but that’s not entirely true. Spiritualism has always been around. Unfortunately, many are afraid of it, do not acknowledge it, or do not understand it. And, to others, it is taboo. It is not only something that happened or happens in the Western world, but throughout many cultures and races, and proves the existence of something superior, inexplicable, but real. Stemming from primitive Akkadians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Asians, Nordics, Hebrews, Christians, and Native Americans, it is a testament that it is not man-made but divine inspiration from the universe. Even though these cultures have their differences, they all share many of the concepts of spiritualism.
To Experience Spirit is to Open Up to a New World
To me, it is a fascinating world (realm) with a lot to learn. Even though I experienced Spirit as a child, studying Spiritualism has taught and helped me understand many things I did not know. For instance, I always felt a connection with the Native Americans. After reading about the relation between the Native Americans and Spiritualism, I can easily comprehend the connection I felt. The bond with nature, the appreciation for humankind, never judgmental, the love for all animals, and the faithful belief in a superior power — all feel close to home to me. I also better understand the distinction between witchcraft. I always heard that being a spiritualist was the same as practicing witchcraft or devil worshipper, therefore I had my doubts. After a few years of studying spiritualism and connecting with spirit, I understand that spiritualism is based on the good. I am not saying that practicing witchcraft or being a devil worshipper is evil. I don’t know that.
Modern Spiritualism Movement
The Modern Spiritualism movement began after the Hydesville incident with Margaretta and Catherine Fox and the peddler, Charles B. Rosna. The Fox sister’s experience with the rapping was when Spiritualism took a modern twist to it — a new dispensation. It was proof that there is, in fact, life after death and we can communicate with the spirit world. That the Spirit never dies. Ironically, this is in the Bible. To cite a few:
“…and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Jesus promised eternal life to those who believe in him,“ Jesus said to her,
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26).
Therefore, I do not understand why some religions denounce spiritualism as coming from evil. Yes, there are other scriptures that denounce spiritualism. Just like it, there are other scriptures that do not. I guess it depends on the interpretation of the religion or who reads the Bible.
Similarities Between Myself and the Forerunners
I also noticed that most of the Forerunners have a religious background. According to Generation Chosen, they define a forerunner as a person who goes or is sent in advance to announce the coming of someone or something that follows. The Forerunners taught me that a good heart and faith are the basis of spiritual development. I found common factors between some forerunners and myself. For example, Emanuel Swedenborg categorized his gift as a calling from the Lord. That made me smile because I believe my calling came from the Lord as well. Anton Mesmer grew up in a Catholic environment. I can relate to it because I did too. Andrew Jackson Davis fascinated me the most. I guess that is why they proclaimed him the Father of Modern Spiritualism. His accurate predictions shocked me, even though I am open and aware of these phenomenal events.
From a young age, I gravitated towards religion in search of guidance because of fear of what I heard, saw, and felt. As an adult, I mostly worked or volunteered in churches from different denominations (Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Pentecostal, UCC, etc.). There is one thing I learned they all have in common. All the pastors I worked with had some type of experience with the spirit world. Every time I heard the pastors reference a certain time when they experienced spirit, it shocked me. I never expected to hear them relate to spiritualism. It was at those moments when I’d share my thoughts on spiritualism and engaged in a conversation where the pastor acknowledged its existence. So, why condemn spiritualism?
The Magic Staff
One thing that I enjoyed reading and deciphering was A. J. Davis’ Magic Staff, which I’ve shared below:
“Behold, here is thy Magic Staff
Under all Circumstances keep an even mind;
Take it, try it, walk with it, talk with it, lean on it.
Believe in it forever.”
During a clairvoyant state of mental illumination, his spirit guide Galen gave a silver cane to A. J. Davis. According to Morris Pratt Institute’s course on Modern Spiritualism, to leave the area, Davis had to climb over a wall with a railing at the top. As he tried to get over the railing, his clothing was entangled and he became angry. He asked Galen to hold the cane so he could free himself. When Davis got to the other side and asked for the cane, Galen related to him he must first learn not to be depressed, or elated, under any circumstances and that in due time he would return with the staff.
My interpretation is a metaphorical representation of the gift given to us. When I analyze each sentence, this is what it means to me:
~ Behold, here is thy Magic Staff
To me, it transfers to, “I have given you a universal gift.”
~ Under all circumstances, keep an even mind
My interpretation is to be creative and open your mind to all possibilities.
~ Take it, try it, walk with it, talk with it, lean on it
I understand it as when in doubt or have questions, ask for guidance, and rely on the gift.
~ Believe in it forever
Never doubt the gift, always have faith, trust your intuition because once you accept it, it will be with you forever.
It resonated with me, and I also felt it reinforced my belief to trust my intuition. I liked the Magic Staff so much that I printed it out and will frame it so that it can remind me of what my calling is.
With all this said, I am a spiritualist and always have been. I did not choose to connect with the spiritual realm. It has always been there since I can remember. But I did choose to pursue it as an adult. I respect others’ religious views and expect the same level of respect for my views. There is no convincing me otherwise. Thank you for stopping by.
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