Mediumship and Spiritism

Carlos Campeti

Every individual who senses the influence of spirits to any degree of intensity is a medium. This faculty is inherent to humankind. It therefore does not constitute an exclusive privilege, and there are very few individuals who do not possess it at least in a rudimentary state. Thus, we can state that everyone is a medium to a certain degree. Usually, however, this label is applied solely to those who possess a well characterized mediumistic faculty that expresses itself through patent effects of a certain intensity […] (The Mediums’ Book. Item 159. Ed. FEB)

As Allan Kardec points out, we are all more or less mediums, but many people are even afraid to speak about it, not knowing what might happen to them for being mediums. Even today, some consider them witches or mad when they dare to speak about what they perceive, hear, or see.

On the other hand, there are those who, upon realizing they are mediums, believe themselves to be enlightened and proceed to exploit suffering, gullible people willing to pay to rid themselves of pain and dissatisfaction. Some of these are called, or self-proclaim, as Spiritists, when in reality they neither know nor understand Spiritism. For if they did, they would realize they are deceiving themselves by seeking to exploit mediumistic faculties for personal gain.

Superior Spirits do not engage in fortune-telling or attend to people for money or any kind of reward. Those who dedicate themselves to and accept this type of activity are less-evolved spirits who, most of the time, are in no condition to help anyone, not even themselves, as they are in need of enlightenment and guidance about their spiritual evolution and the need to change bad habits in order to progress.

Despite the prevailing ignorance on the subject, mediumship has existed since the dawn of humanity. The oldest books of humankind record facts related to this faculty. The Bible already addresses charlatans who exploited people’s ignorance, making clear the importance of communicating with spirits without self-interest or deceit, but with the purpose of doing good (Numbers 11:26-29).

The New Testament shows Jesus talking to spirits on multiple occasions, such as during the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. The Acts of the Apostles record many references to healings and dialogues with lower spirits who harassed people – all accomplished through the mediumship of Jesus’ disciples.

Paul of Tarsus, in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, speaks of the diversity of gifts, different forms of communication with spirits through prophecy or what we now call mediumship.

If it is nothing new, why are people afraid of mediumship? This fear stems from lack of knowledge about the subject and the excessive importance given to others’ opinions. It is natural that the majority opinion wouldn’t favor mediumship, as organized religion claims it is ‘the work of demons and witchcraft’.

Many people were burned alive in the Middle Ages by simply possessing some kind of mediumship. Joan of Arc was sent to the stake because she spoke with spirits and received instructions from them. Later, she was canonized as a saint after it was recognized that she had rendered important service to France under the guidance of what the Church called ‘saints’, who are in fact superior spirits working under Christ’s direction to assist humanity’s progress.

Lack of knowledge about mediumship is dangerous. Humans interact with spirits of all categories. The truth is that these spirits are nothing more than people themselves without their physical bodies of bones and flesh, the same individuals, both good and bad, who lived among us and continue existing in the spiritual world exactly as they were here.

Those who consistently ignored spiritual reality, who never troubled to master their evil inclinations or do good for others, arrive in the spiritual world like travelers without luggage or resources to secure a proper place to stay. They find themselves lost and disoriented. Having earned no merit through good deeds, they cannot receive aid from benevolent spirits, though they always seek to help. These troubled souls must first change their conduct and elevate their thoughts and feelings before perceiving the superior spirits vibrating beside them, who yearn to see them escape the painful state they created by disregarding Divine Law. Until this awakening occurs, they often linger near those still on Earth, whether family, acquaintances, or even strangers with whom they have an affinity.

Ignoring this reality does not free anyone from spiritual influences. They exist, whether one wishes otherwise or denies their existence. Life continues in the afterlife exactly as it does here: the good find their path, always looking for opportunities for learning and service; while the ignorant or wicked keep chasing crude satisfactions, dragging their vices into the spiritual world. Unable to manipulate matter (being now spirits), they instead gravitate toward people sharing their addictions or misguided habits, living vicariously through them to feed their passions.

Contrary to common belief, understanding this spiritual reality poses no risks or dangers. Rather, it empowers people to avoid negative influences and prepare themselves to receive positive ones, ultimately becoming instruments of service to others.

Mediumship is not exclusive to Spiritism, but the doctrine provides invaluable guidance in comprehending its purpose and proper use, therefore preventing unnecessary suffering while teaching how to harness this potential for good. Knowledge about mediumship is the wisest way to handle it. Through effort and study, one can truly know, reflect upon, feel, and ultimately live Christ’s message.

For over two thousand years, Jesus has brought us the Good News, yet a great part of humanity still ignores it, either remaining complacent in primitive understanding or following priestly hierarchies more interested in maintaining status quo and power. We must strive for self-improvement through the teachings of superior spirits, who present Jesus’ moral code with clarity, making it comprehensible and livable for all – without mysteries or false, useless practices that do not lead to the necessary refinement for spiritual evolution.

By studying Spiritism, those with any form of mediumship, which is not a privilege of a few enlightened ones but common to many, will understand this faculty and learn to use it as a means for spiritual progress and advancement.