Channeling - by Anita Burns
"Channeling" generally involves a skilled person who, often in a
trance-like state, communicates with non-physical beings, archetypes,
angels, and spiritual intelligences, to relay wisdom and guidance from
them. This phenomenon evolved from the mediumship and seance rage of
the early 20th century.
A fascination with contacting the spirits of the dead expanded to
include connecting with a greater dimensional intelligence and wisdom.
Also, in the early part of the 20th century, the dawning "New Age"
movement with its unique blending of eastern and western religious and
spiritual thought, brought a desire to experience something of the
Akasha--supposedly a cosmic database of everything that has ever, or
will, exist. There was also an interest in spiritual beings such as
angels, devas, and fairies and a desire to experience them more
personally. Starting around the 1950's, the vast number of UFO contact
accounts created a demand for ways to communicate with beings from
other planets.
Today's spiritually confusing times brings so many unanswered
questions, that certain individuals who demonstrate an ability to go
beyond the limits of normal conscious barriers are in demand by a great
many people. These individuals sense the changes occurring in the world
as we enter the "Aquarian Age" and want answers about the universe and
how they fit into the grand scheme of things.
Before the 1980's channelers and mediums kept a pretty low public
profile because many local well-meaning church-going folk believed
channelers were involved in Devil worship and black magic. In those
days, many "public" people associated channeling and mediumship were
involved in the "Hollywood" version of glow-in-the-dark seances.
A few mediums gained some respectability and fame. Many mediums were
debunked as fakes and frauds. However, most sincere, genuine mediums
had a modest following and helped those who came to them for advice and
guidance
In the 1980's everything changed. Suddenly there were channelers
everywhere. Some became world famous. Seth, one of the first
superstars, communicated through Jane Roberts, imparting volumes of
knowledge and wisdom about life beyond the material.
Another famous channel called himself Ramtha. This rather dramatic
entity used J.Z. Knight's body to teach the Ramtha version of how the
universe works. Ramtha suffered mighty blows as rumors of fakery were
circulated among the devoted fans. Her books, however, are as popular
as ever. Another famous channeler is the well-respected Lazarus, whose
books, tapes and videos continue to be in demand.
Channeller or Medium?
Many professional channelers cringe at the thought of being called a
"medium." But what is the difference between a channeler and a medium?
For some, only the name. For others, each focuses on a different source
for their messages. Mediums are specially trained (usually in England)
to contact the spirits of the dead who have passed over into the astral
planes. They come through the medium to give reassurance and proof of
their survival to loved ones still living. A channeler's sources are
often beings from greater dimensions such as gods, goddesses, angels,
or other all-knowing beings. The messages are less advice on love,
money and family, and more on spiritual growth, karma, reincarnation,
and advice on how to live a successful life.
Who is Real?
Famous channelers attract seekers of truth like ants at a picnic. There
are myriads of others who gain some degree of fame and reputation as
genuine channels: Ashtar Command, Michael, Yada, Djwal Khul, St.
Germain, Dr. Peebles, and Solaris are only a few well-known channeled
energies. With so many channelers available, all claiming to have the
"keys to heaven," how do you know who is genuine and who is deluding
themselves?
How do you know which channelers are truly who and what they claim when
it seems that so many people with a little psychic ability jump on the
bandwagon when they don't really know what they're doing.
One clue is to listen to their message. Fakers and well-meaning
wanna-bes often spout vague, idealistic platitudes, or gloom and doom
dramatics.
Another way to gauge is to look at how much you are asked to pay.
Whether it is okay for channelers to charge for services is a point of
controversy among the new age folk. Some believe all cosmic service
should be given freely. Others say that channeling is a job and
channelers have bills like everyone else.
If you are asked to pay, or donate, be on guard for obvious greed or dishonesty. Get a reference from someone else.
Being informed is an important tool in determining a genuine channeler.
Read books by and about channelers and channeling to become familiar
with the different types of channeling, and who is available for
consultation. Many channelers also have tapes and videos for sale that
can give you valuable information to help you decide.
After you have been to the channeler, determine whether the information
was useful to you. Never swallow whole, everything a channeler says.
Use your own inner guidance as to whether your session was helpful or
not.
A channel isn't a fortune-teller so don't expect specific answers about
your future. Beware of depressing messages of doom and destruction, or
outlandish statements of obvious bias such as "Only Christians have the
truth." Be intelligent about choosing a channeler. Do your homework and
you could form a long and beneficial relationship with a channel who
can guide your through life.