Metaphysical Movie Review: NO ONE DIES IN LILY DALE

I’ve visited the town of Lily Dale, New York, several times in the last few years. As a Spiritualist minister and medium, I’ve heard about Lily Dale ever since I began studying mediumship. Most Spiritualists consider Lily Dale to be the Mecca of the Spiritualist movement. Its own small town and community, Lily Dale was established in 1879 on the banks of a lovely lake in upstate New York as a place for believers in the new religion of Spiritualism to meet and exchange ideas. Ever since, people have been flocking to Lily Dale to experience its serene energy, to take classes and workshops presented by leading speakers and teachers in the areas of metaphysics, healing, and philosophy, and, of course, to have a chance to connect with their loved ones who have passed over to the Other Side.

Currently, 40 registered mediums live and work on the grounds at Lily Dale. To be a registered medium, one who is allowed to give private readings to those seeking these services during a visit there, a person is rigorously tested by the Lily Dale Board of Directors. I have a good friend, Rev. Jaccolin Franchina, who is a registered Lily Dale medium, and I often stay with her when I make my visits. I have had the opportunity to teach classes and workshops at Lily Dale several times in the last few years, this past June most recently, and it’s always an honor for me to present there. I enjoy the tranquility of the grounds and the sense of camaraderie I experience from being with like-minded people. I dream about Lily Dale often, and I won’t pretend I haven’t thought about becoming a resident there myself at some point in the future. So when Jaccolin told me about her appearance in the HBO documentary NO ONE DIES IN LILY DALE, I was excited. I hoped that Spiritualism and mediumship would be presented accurately and fairly so that more people could see what this small, mystical town was really all about.

The documentary, directed by Steven Cantor, was made during the 2009 summer season at Lily Dale. It mainly follows three people who have lost loved ones as they seek to communicate with them through the mediums at Lily Dale. The film shows these visitors, and others, attending Lily Dale’s daily message services and sitting with mediums for private reading sessions in their attempt to bridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual worlds.

For the most part, I liked the documentary. It was quite moving to get to know the seekers who had lost loved ones and to hear their stories. I found myself in tears several times, understanding and deeply feeling the anguish the seekers were experiencing. Two of them had lost children; one had lost the man she’d hoped to marry. Any loss is hard to bear, but the pain carried by these people was quite palpable throughout the film.

I was especially interested to see the mediums and how they were depicted in this film, and I wasn’t disappointed. Although we didn’t get to know any of them in intimate detail, I enjoyed hearing from several of them about how mediumship works, why they live at Lily Dale, how they interact with Spirit, and other fascinating topics. Most of the mediums featured seemed very comfortable talking about themselves, their beliefs, their homes, and their work, and they were articulate and intelligent in discussing the matters of Spirit and Spiritualism. I appreciated this very much, because I know that for many folks who watch the film, this will be their first exposure to mediumship and the people who are its ambassadors. I hope the viewers will take away many positives from their encounters with the mediums in this documentary.

Of course, I loved seeing my friend Jaccolin and her sisters featured in the film. Jaccolin and her family amaze me, as they come from a family of Spiritualists and have participated in Spiritualism all of their lives. Jaccolin also happens to be the mother of my awesome office partner, Joanne Franchina, and they’ve always made me feel just as if I’m a part of their family. I loved seeing the sisters interact, talk about their spirit relatives together, and even participate in a seance with other mediums on the grounds. This sense of community and love is something I’ve been able to witness first-hand, and it’s a joyful experience.

I also appreciated the beautiful way the film was put together. Lily Dale is a lovely place to visit, and its grounds are a treasure trove of natural beauty. These sites were often highlighted throughout the documentary, and I could feel the peace and the balance of Lily Dale’s healing energy in each of these scenes. I applaud the director for including so much of this footage.

I do have a few criticisms of the film. Well, perhaps they’re more frustrations than anything else, but they are there. I was curious as to why a visiting medium, Michelle Whitedove, was featured so prominently in the documentary. Ms. Whitedove is not a registered medium at Lily Dale, and yet she was filmed doing a private reading for one of the seekers followed in the film. Granted, the seeker did seem to find some closure and some healing after her reading with Ms. Whitedove, but I couldn’t help wondering why another Lily Dale medium wasn’t suggested to this client. Ms. Whitedove has an entertaining and rather larger-than-life personality (and some killer shoes, no less), and I found myself thinking that she was selected to be featured in the film for this reason. That’s not a criticism of her work, simply an observation. I don’t make it a habit to criticize other mediums because I know that every medium receives her information differently and presents it in line with her own personality, and I like to believe that everyone who does this work is doing it from her heart and to be of service to Spirit and humanity. I was surprised, however, to see Ms. Whitedove give medical intuitive readings on the platform at Inspiration Stump (one of the venues where the public gathers daily at Lily Dale to receive spirit messages given by the student, visiting, and registered mediums). At every Spiritualist institution I have ever worked, giving medical advice is prohibited because mediums are not medical professionals. A medium giving medical advice can place the institution in legal danger by doing so, and Ms. Whitedove brought through a great deal of medical information while at Inspiration Stump. Perhaps Lily Dale bent the rules for her just for the filming of this documentary, but I hope that this won’t continue in the future. My student mediums don’t need to be confused by seeing someone do something they know they’re not supposed to do!

I was also a bit puzzled by one of the seekers that came to Lily Dale. This lady was a fundamentalist Christian, and she’d lost her son to cancer. Because the director had made a point of showing evangelical Christians protesting at Lily Dale’s gates about the damnation of the mediums and anyone who entered there (honestly, something I tend to think was set up for entertainment purposes, as I’ve never encountered or heard about other protests taking place at Lily Dale in all the years I’ve been going), I was very surprised to see this lady take any interest at all in anything a medium would tell her about her son on the Other Side. At first, she seemed open to receiving whatever healing she could through the experience; she said as much when she first appeared in the film. However, she certainly was not open to anything the medium who read for her had to say when she sat with him. I have encountered similar experiences, and it’s definitely not fun. Again, this lady is entitled to her opinions and her beliefs, and I’m sure it makes for entertaining viewing to see two people arguing about religion and the existence of Spirit. But honestly, I couldn’t figure out her motives. If she wasn’t really open to the idea of spirits communicating and felt it was wrong according to the Bible, then why come at all? I felt the medium dealing with her handled the experience very well, but it left me feeling sorry for him and even sorrier that she wouldn’t be able to receive the healing she so desperately needed.

I also found another seeker’s reaction to her first reading at Lily Dale to be rather exasperating. So many people come into a reading with a very definite expectation of what they want to happen. They want to hear what they expect to hear, and if they don’t, it negates for them the validity of the whole reading. Granted, we did not see the entire reading during the documentary, but the seeker was obviously dissatisfied with the results and complained bitterly about how she just didn’t believe it. I couldn’t help wondering what she wanted to receive from a reading that she felt was missing. This seeker did receive a second reading that seemed more in line with her expectations, but again, I think it’s unfortunate when folks can’t keep an open mind, which will help them to realize that not everything that comes through in a reading makes sense right away. It’s also important to remember that so many of these folks are grieving when they come for help, and this can block the process and make giving and receiving a reading more difficult.

All in all, I found NO ONE DIES IN LILY DALE to be a rewarding viewing experience. Seeing Lily Dale on film was wonderful, and I do feel that everyone in the documentary, mediums and seekers alike, were treated fairly, respectfully, and compassionately. Death is not an easy subject to deal with or to document, and it’s difficult to even know what to say to someone who is grieving a catastrophic loss. Healing from this pain can happen through mediumship work — I’ve seen it myself countless times, and I’m always, eternally grateful for it — and I was especially glad to see that some measure of healing came to some of those who made the pilgrimage to Lily Dale.

I look forward to visiting Lily Dale many more times in the future. I hope you’ll consider a trip there, too. In the meantime, NO ONE DIES IN LILY DALE can give you a taste of what this special place is really like.

After the Fair

I’ve been recuperating for the last couple of days. This past weekend, I spent many hours at the Victory of Light Expo, greeting well-wishers, selling and signing books, and mostly, doing readings. I was there all day on Saturday and Sunday, so Monday and Tuesday were my days this week to rest and rejuvenate.

I used to do a lot of metaphysical festivals like this one when I first started reading Tarot professionally. I was about 22  years old when I worked at my first festival (hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years ago!), and I was eager to meet more folks who were interested in esoteric and occult things. The vendors sold crystals, jewelry, books, and magickal trinkets, so many temptations that there were several fairs where I blew almost all the money I made on stuff for myself. I made appointments to receive wonderful healing treatments like massages, reflexology sessions, and energy work, floating away on a cloud of happiness after my sessions were over. And yes, I even saw other psychics for insights into my own life in many reading sessions. I always enjoy receiving a reading from a fellow worker, fascinated as I am to discover new reading techniques and methods that might enhance my own professional work. Needless to say, for many years, I looked forward to these inspiring weekends, even though I worked, too. Providing readings thrilled me; I enjoyed helping people solve their problems through Tarot and intuitive counseling. Most seemed to appreciate my input and were happy to have the insights I could provide.

I still enjoy going to the fairs, even though I don’t do quite as many of these events as I once did. I prefer doing readings in quieter settings, and I like not having to rush through a reading to get it done in 15 minutes. Over the years of doing festivals, I’ve also had to take better care of myself. I tend to get very run-down after a long day at an event; I think it has to do with keeping my energy higher in order to stand between the worlds to speak to Spirit. The Natural Law of Vibration, which rules mediumship, tells us that our vibrations have to be higher in order to work with spirit energies. The spirit folks have to slow their high vibrations down, and we meet somewhere in the middle in order to communicate. When I work, I tend to crank my vibration pretty high in order to make a strong connection to Spirit. I’ve been told by some of my own teachers (those here in the physical world) that I need to stop doing this, that Spirit can come to me, that I’m going to burn myself out big time if I can’t stop doing this–so I try not to work my energy up into such a high place like I once did. But I still tend to do between 13 and 20 15-minute readings a day at a festival, and that’s a lot of different energies to get in and out of quickly and efficiently. By the end of the day, I’m usually wiped out. I do try to take more breaks now, and I eat more frequently to ground myself and to keep my physical energy in a good place. Still, the fairs take a lot out of me, and this most recent expo was no exception.

And yet, I had a good time. I feel very grateful for and blessed by all of the people who came to see me over the weekend. I lectured at the fair about my new book, Ask a Medium, and that lecture was extremely well-attended. I received good feedback about it. I love lecturing; teaching is my true passion, and being able to connect with folks in this sort of a setting is always fun. It’s wonderful to talk to a large group of like-minded people, too, those who are truly interested in investigating the spirit world and who believe in the validity of after-death communication. It uplifts me to see so many seekers, those who are truly trying to walk the Path of Light in this world.

I also love re-connecting with other metaphysical friends I don’t get to see very often at the festivals. Granted, there might not be as much time to do this when I’m working so hard, but usually, I can sneak in some great hugs and chatter in between readings, before we begin for the day, or when I’m on a break. We have a lovely community of people here in the Greater Cincinnati area who are bringing light to so many others, and I love having a few minutes to catch up with friends and fellow workers. These moments make me so proud of what I do, and they help me to feel as if I’m a part of a larger web of energy, one that illuminates a very special and important agenda in the Universe.

And I do love helping those who seek me out. Spirit reminds me a of a lovely groups of sisters who brought their dad to the festival. I am sometimes intimidated when asked to read for men (I know–it’s my issue, one I’ve been working on for years now, but it still rears its ugly head at times), and I was a little nervous when this gentleman sat down in my chair. But I put my faith in my spirit people, my lovely guides who help me make my connections in the spirit realms, and Mara, my joy guide, immediately connected me to this man’s wife, who had passed within the last year. It was a tremendous blessing to be able to bring her through to him, and I know that this man was relieved to hear from her. I had many readings over the weekend, and I couldn’t begin to remember them all (I very rarely remember anything about my readings–I don’t think I’m supposed to remember them), but I know I will always recall the feeling of happiness and peace that this connection brought to that man.

What a powerful, inspiring thing to be able to do! Can you see why I feel so humbled and so honored to do this work? It is moments like those that I live for, moments like those that I try to focus on when the work is hard, or when I am tired, frustrated, or unsure. These are the moments that Spirit brings us to remind us of our larger connections in the Universe.

So, this week, I rest. I still work, but I don’t (thankfully) have as many clients this week. I think Spirit arranges that, too, so I can relax a bit and try to dwell in a more peaceful, calming energy.

I hope your week unfolds in the same kind of loving, gentle energy. Blessings to all! xo

Spring Stuff

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here, but I’ve been trying to plan new events and get everything together as my kids go on spring break. There is painting to be done in our household, which will take up some of our vacation days, and my husband’s birthday is actually on Easter this year, which means we’ll be entertaining his family. So much to do, so little time–even with the Wheel of the Year turning, some things remain constant!

I did want to take a moment, though, to re-connect with you folks in cyberspace, and to let you know about some upcoming events that I’ll be doing. Here’s the low-down:

I’ll be appearing (and disappearing, ha ha) at the Victory of Light Expo on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Sharonville Convention Center in Sharonville, Ohio. On Saturday at noon, I’ll present Ask A Medium, a talk based on my new book of the same name. The presentation will also include Spirit messages for the audience members. I will also be doing a limited number of personal readings for clients at my booth on the lower level of the convention hall, and I will sell copies of all of my books as well as sign for those who would like an autograph. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like to sign up for a reading–the spots usually go fast! For more information about the festival, times, admission fees, and the like, please visit the expo’s website.

Along with my office partner Joanne Franchina of Inner Compass, I am thrilled to welcome one of my favorite teachers, Sharon Anne Klingler, to the Cincinnati area. Sharon will present a weekend of events and workshops sure to please everyone interested in mediumship and their own personal path to spiritual fulfillment. Read on for a full description of Sharon’s events:

A WEEKEND OF WORKSHOPS with Sharon Anne Klingler

SHARON ANNE KLINGLER is an internationally known author and medium. Her books include Intuition & Beyond, The Secrets of Success with Sandra Taylor, Travel Into Your Past Lives, Drawing on Your Intuition, Divine Connections, Life with Spirit, and her acclaimed program, Speaking to Spirit, a home-study seminar for intuitive development and spirit communication. She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and on major television and radio outlets in Australia, Canada, England, and the U.S. Sharon maintains a private practice in mediumship and other metaphysical disciplines with high profile clients around the world. She lectures throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. www.sharonklingler.com.
Register for all three workshops by April 16 for only $160, a savings of $20!

MESSAGES FROM BEYOND with Sharon Anne Klingler

Make the spirit connection! Let your guides and loved ones in spirit bring you their insights through Sharon’s dynamic clairvoyance and guided imagery exercises. You will feel the presence of spirit as Sharon shares their messages for many audience members. She will also lead you through exciting processes that help you to connect with your spirit loved ones and guides yourself.

Friday, April 23, 7 - 9 pm.
$25; Early registrations (by April 16) $20.
Sharon Anne Klingler, guest instructor.

INITIATION & THE ASCENDED MASTERS: REVELATIONS IN POWER with Sharon Anne Klingler

This workshop is more than a peek into the mystical powers and histories that lay hidden from the average person; it is a precise training in their application and use. The Seven Rays are the fuel that drives each activity. Learn how to apply these powerful forces to your own initiation. This workshop covers:

The Seven Rays & the Ascended Masters

Synchronicity of ray power in occupational, spiritual & personal directives.
Balancing polarized ray forces & utilizing energy phases.
Learning from the mystic Masters: ancient exercises in energy, prophecy & healing
Your Initiation & Discipleship

Forces of initiation: a spiritual tsunami.
Energy discernment: influence & confluence of power.
Levels of initiation: revelation into body, mind & mystery.
Advancement to power: Your work on the higher & lower ground
Saturday, April 24, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (includes a break for lunch).
$95; Early registrations (by April 16) $90.
Sharon Anne Klingler, guest instructor.

YOUR PATH OF SERVICE: YOUR PAST & FUTURE WITH THE MASTERS with Sharon Anne Klingler

Learn about the past and future in your evolution. Find out about the rites of initiation; discover your past lives in the ancient mystery schools; and map out where you’re headed next in your work with the Masters. (For special processes, please bring any gemstones or pieces of jewelry that may have significance for you). This workshop includes:

Investigating Your Ancient Histories & Present Powers

Past-life regression to the secret societies.
Freemason & mystical initiation practices.
Living a mystic’s life in a modern world.
Your Future in the Plan

Rites of initiation (and their physical & spiritual influences).
Triplicities of power in mystical & practical use.
Daily techniques for increasing your magnitude of power.
Global initiation: your future work with the Masters.
Sunday, April 25, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm.
$60; Early registrations (by April 16) $55.
Sharon Anne Klingler, guest instructor.

To register for any of Sharon’s events (and you DON’T want to miss any of them, believe me!), you can visit my website to download forms.

I am very excited about my upcoming TAROT INTENSIVE WEEKEND Workshop, scheduled for Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16, 2010. To register for this event, please visit my website, but read on to see all of the cool stuff we’ll be doing:

Ancient and mysterious, Tarot cards have fascinated humanity for centuries. The Tarot can be used as a divination tool, a meditation focal point, a sounding board for ideas, and a source of great inspiration. Whether you are a beginning reader or a seasoned Tarot professional, this intense weekend devoted to Tarot study and work will bring you deeper meanings for yourself and your interaction with this wise and venerable tradition.

Friday evening will include the following:

➢ Tarot overview and a brief history, including the Major and Minor Arcanas, the suits and their meanings, numerology and symbolism in Tarot, and how to care for your deck. A special Tarot connection experience will be conducted.

Saturday will include the following:

➢ Handling and shuffling the Tarot
➢ Spreads versus throws: what’s the difference and when to use what
➢ Exploring interactions between the cards
➢ Telling a story with Tarot
➢ Timing in Tarot
➢ Finding key ideas in spreads and throws
➢ Divination with Tarot
➢ Meditation exercises with key Tarot cards to enhance the student’s spiritual connection to the Divine and the oracle

Sunday will include the following:

➢ Tapping your intuition using Tarot
➢ Court cards in Tarot: who are these people?
➢ Reversed cards
➢ Card combinations
➢ Sample spreads to use for specific types of questions
➢ How to design your own Tarot spreads
➢ Using different decks to deepen and enhance readings

And much, much more!

This weekend experience will include many interactive experiences with the Tarot, and students will be expected to conduct readings using the cards for themselves and for others. All students will be awarded a certificate of completion at the end of the weekend.

Required: A standard 78-card Tarot deck. The Rider-Waite deck is preferred, but any is acceptable. Bring as many decks as you like, but you must have at least one to work with in class.

DATE: Friday, May 14 — Sunday, May 16, 2010
TIME: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (one hour lunch break)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (one hour lunch break)
PRICE: $165 if registered by April 25, 2010
$195 after April 25, 2010 or at the door

And, to enhance the Tarot workshop, I’ll facilitate a new TAROT WISDOM CIRCLE beginning Wednesday, June 9, 2010. In this fun, informal setting, we’ll explore lots of different ways to use and read Tarot. The circle will be open to anyone at any skill level, and you can participate in as many meetings of the Circle that you like. Sessions will cost $12 per night, or you can buy 5 sessions for only $50. We’ll meet for 10 Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. throughout the summer at my office in Blue Ash. I think this will be an exciting, experiential way for us all to deepen our connection to Tarot, that inspiring and fascinating tool!

As you can see, I’ve got lots of interesting things planned as we move forward into spring. I hope you’ll be able to join me for some of these events.

And I’ll see you again soon here on the blog!

May your Easter/Ostara basket overflow with blessings!

A Past Life Tarot Spread

I’m working on putting together a fun and informative Tarot spread to present to our students when we present our Past Lives workshop this weekend. I’ve been reviewing past life spreads I’ve used in the past and “mixing and matching” different elements into a new spread. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

11 Cards, laid out in the following way:

Card 9………………………………………………………………………………………Card 11
Card 8………………………………………………………………………………………Card 10
…………………………………………….Card 7…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 6…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 5…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 4…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….Card 3…………………………………………………..
Card 1………………………………………………………………………………………..Card 2

Card 1: Basic Soul Nature (yours or the querent’s)
Card 2: Present Life Issue
Card 3: Past Life Influence/Issue
Card 4: Environment/Early Life Influences in Past Life
Card 5: Accomplishments in Past Life
Card 6: Past Life Relationships
Card 7: Past Life Death/End of Life
Card 8: Lesson the Soul Wants to Learn
Card 9: How the Past Life Affects This Lifetime
Card 10: What is Needed to Learn This Lesson?
Card 11: What to Anticipate When/If the Lesson is Learned

I like this combination of information because it allows a reader or querent to see influences from a past life that affect his current life, but it also gives him a glimpse of his actual life circumstances in that past lifetime. Using intuition when looking at the pictures on the cards themselves can shed some additional light on the details of an incarnation.

When I did this modified spread for myself using the Rider-Waite deck, the following cards came up. My interpretations are in italics:

Card 1: Basic Soul Nature: Page of Pentacles.  A contemplative child who worries about security. A gazer/scryer who contemplates the mysteries of life. A slow, methodical person.

Card 2: Present Life Issue: 10 of Swords.  Debilitating worry. Negative thoughts that adversely affect progress of any nature.

Card 3: Past Life Influence/ Issue: 2 of Pentacles.  Juggling two rival energies. How to act in a tempest/storm. Excess energy not necessarily put to good use. Issues of balance and equilibrium.

Card 4: Environment/ Early Life in Past Life: Major Arcana The High Priestess.  A feminine energy with esoteric knowledge. The Goddess. Connections to mystical society with high expectations. Knowledge and feminine power.

Card 5: Accomplishments in Past Life: Major Arcana Death.  A major change. Death of old knowledge for something new. Movement away from one lifestyle to another. Re-birth.

Card 6: Past Life Relationships: 8 of Swords.  Restriction. Inability to stand up for self or to ask for help. A negative, abusive relationship or circumstance. Security that comes with too may restrictions or rules.

Card 7: Past Life Death/End of Life: 2 of Cups.  A good friendship or love connection based on respect, sharing, compassion. Reconciliation of a higher nature.

Card 8: Lesson the Soul Wants to Learn: Queen of Pentacles.  Self-sufficient woman of means and resources. The ability to rely on self or one’s own resources.

Card 9: How Past Life Affects You Now: Major Arcana The Fool.  No fear of the journey ahead. A need to trust in the Higher Power. The possibility of recklessness.

Card 10: What is Needed to Learn This Lesson? Major Arcana Temperance.  A peaceful attitude. The balance of the mundane and spiritual. Equilibrium in all aspects. Standing in two worlds. Angelic interventions.

Card 11: What to Anticipate When Lesson is Learned: 4 of Cups.  Choice coming from quiet contemplation. Offers from Spirit.

This reading makes a lot of sense to me. It seems to indicate that in a past life, I was raised in a mystical, esoteric community, probably one that was Goddess-based or matriarchal (The High Priestess). This resonates with me on a soul level; I know I’ve lived several lifetimes in societies like these. In this particular lifetime, however, I must’ve become upset or disillusioned with this lifetime and left it (Death), most likely to pursue a relationship outside of the society. That relationship was not all it seemed (8 of Swords) and left me feeling restricted and unhappy. At least at the end of my life, I was able to find a different relationship that worked on many levels (2 of Cups). My lesson in that lifetime, however, was all about balance and equilibrium, especially concerning the mundane and the spiritual (2 of Pentacles). In this lifetime, I am trying to learn how to keep negative thoughts from impeding my spiritual progression (10 of Pentacles). This resonates with my soul nature (Page of Pentacles), which is contemplative and interested in investigating the mysteries of the Universe. This past life is influencing me still; my soul understands the need to trust in the Higher Power and to have no fear of the path ahead (The Fool), but it is still working on these trust issues. To learn this lesson, I need peace and balance (Temperance). My work in between the worlds as a medium and with the angels can help me to learn this lesson. When I have learned it, I can look forward to more choices and contemplation of further soul lessons (4 of Cups).

Yes, that sounds good to me!

If you’re interested, give this Tarot reading a go, and let me know what you get in the comments below.

Blessings to you on this lovely Tuesday!

The Radio Ambush

A week or so ago, I was a guest on an internet radio show. I do a lot of these since I’ve published my books, and, for the most part, I really enjoy them. I get to talk with some very interesting, smart, fun people about topics I love: mediumship, ghosts, Tarot, magick, Spiritualism, writing, the creative process, and many others. Whenever I get a request to do one of these shows, I try my best to fit it into my schedule. It’s another way to connect with more people and to spread the message that my books promote. I consider it an honor to be asked to appear, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Most of these radio shows are done on stations that cater to a metaphysical audience. This latest one was no exception. When the host contacted me, I checked out the webpage and thought the show’s audience would be right up my alley. They’d featured interviews with other mediums, psychics, and ghost hunters. Via email, the host and I arranged a night that would work for both of us for my appearance. That correspondence took place over 3 months before my spot. In the meantime, I tried to send him copies of my books (which didn’t work out), but we didn’t really have any other contact.

The day of my appearance (which was scheduled for that evening), I received a surprising email from the host. He explained that he had a co-host on the show who was a conservative Christian and might have some questions for me about my mediumship work. I got the distinct impression from this that there might be a confrontation about religion on the docket.

Honestly, I didn’t know how to respond. The terrified, non-confrontational part of me wanted to immediately back out. I don’t enjoy fighting about anything, let alone feeling as if I have to defend my spiritual beliefs. I even wrote an entire chapter in my latest book, Ask A Medium, about a similar topic. I wrote that chapter for all of the clients and students who tell me how much they hate trying to defend themselves against radical religious types who berate them and try to scare them out of their spiritual views. I don’t like this any more than the next guy, but over the years, I’ve learned some strategies to at least feel more sure and steady when embroiled in this kind of debate. But having to do this on the radio was not my idea of a fun time.

The responsible part of me chided myself for wanting to cancel my appearance. Having hosted my own radio show, I didn’t want to leave anyone in the lurch if I backed out at the last minute. My reasonable side posited that I had not been treated fairly and told up front that this show might turn into a religious debate, and if I didn’t want to do that, I shouldn’t harbor any qualms about saying, “Forget it.” The self-righteous part of me swelled up, too, saying that I shouldn’t be driven away from an opportunity to talk about my beliefs because I was scared I would offend someone with more strident and stringent views. I should be allowed to speak my piece; after all, wasn’t that why I was invited to participate in the first place?

In the end, I dashed off an email to the host, saying that I was not very happy about the prospect of debating religion on the air, but I would do my best.

Well, I did my best–and then some, perhaps.

Look, here’s the thing: if you’re a Christian, and even if you’re not, don’t fling Bible quotes at me. Truth be told, I like the Bible, and there are some wonderful, inspirational words of great wisdom in there. There is also some stuff that is a product of its time and the many, many interpretations and translations the writings have gone through over the centuries. Using the Bible to back up your case is like building a Three Pigs house out of sticks: it won’t withstand the wind from the Wolf. The Bible can be used to support ANY argument that you want to make. Think it’s OK to kill someone? There’s certainly a lot of havoc-wreaking vengeance in the Old Testament, often initiated by Yahweh Himself. Want to sell your daughter into slavery? Go ahead–the Bible says you can! Considering consulting a medium to talk to the dead? The Old Testament says you shouldn’t, and that God will hate you if you do–but isn’t it funny that God didn’t seem to hate Jesus when he had his pow wow with Moses and Elijah on the mountain as his disciples watched? Do you see what I’m driving at here? Evangelical Christians use the Bible as the literal Word of God, but many, like the co-host of this radio show, use it to support their way of thinking while ignoring some of the other parts that don’t suit their parameters.

So, in this radio discussion, I was lambasted with Bible quotes and had my integrity as a medium called into question. How did I know I was talking to good spirits when there are lots of righteous Christians tricked by the devil? Didn’t I know it was wrong to speak to spirits? Didn’t I worry about the health of my soul?

Well, quite frankly: give me a flipping break.

I believe in intention. And I believe in a loving, nurturing God. If you set your intention to always remain in that Divine Energy that is God, then you are not going to touch in with anything in your mediumship work that is evil or negative. Why? Because God’s energy is in EVERY energy. If you set your intention to connect with the Divine Spark of God that resides within every energy, then you will be able to connect with loving, high vibration energies of loved ones who have passed as well as guides, teachers, and angels. Yes, I am aware of the warnings in the Bible that the devil can disguise himself as an angel. But why would a loving God allow this to happen? If you set your intention to connect first with God, then God is not going to allow anything negative to happen to you. Period. Nothing can harm you. You will find your peace, and you will do your work–any work–in that loving light of Creator. End of story.

So what happened in the interview? I tried to be patient, and I tried to answer the questions in a mild tone of voice and explain my position as lovingly as I could. I even threw a few Bible quotes of my own in there to prove my point about being able to use the Bible to support any position. (Another reason not to quote the Bible to me: I can quote it right back to you, mister.) But ultimately, I said, “Look. You are not going to convince me that I’m wrong, and I’m not going to convince you that you’re wrong. You have your faith, and I have mine. All we’re doing in arguing is perpetuating a negative energy cycle because we’ll wind up mad at each other. Why do that?” Eventually, the co-host relented, and the first host went on with questions about mediumship development–questions I would much rather answer.

I am not advocating disagreements here, nor am I advocating picking a fight and trying to belittle someone else. But I am advocating standing up for your beliefs. Educate yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to read arguments against your beliefs and then to come up with intelligent answers as to why those arguments don’t hold any water. If you’re going to argue theology, know your subject. Be as smart as you can about what you do so that you can present your side in a thoughtful, organized, intelligent way. Knowledge is power.

Try not to let yourself become embroiled in a heated argument, though. I did my best in this instance to control my temper. It takes a lot to make me mad, but I was mad by the end of that segment. (And hey: Jesus got mad in the Bible, too. Remember the scene he made at the temple?) But I tried to remember that keeping a cool head was only going to make me look more reasonable, and raising my voice in anger would make me look defensive. In the end, I was proud of myself for defending my beliefs and not backing down when confronted while remaining reasonable and gracious.

I was, however, quite miffed about the whole situation. I don’t think it was very professional of these radio hosts to treat me this way. I think there’s a lesson here for me about better preparation for these shows. I’ll have to be more careful, more selective, in the future. So I do thank Spirit for this, because I know it will make me a better person in the long run.

I hope some of you will find encouragement by reading this post. Be respectful, but don’t make nice; don’t back down. Your beliefs, and your integrity, are worth more than that.

The Dixie Chicks say it pretty darn well.

May blessings abound for you.

Honors and Other Scary Things

Yesterday, I went to a reception for local authors given by the Ohioana Library and the Cincinnati Public Library. I’d received an invitation in the mail and really didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a large gathering of folks at the main branch of the public library, people who really seemed excited to welcome and honor local writers for their publishing successes. The reception consisted of introductions, a panel of sports writers talking about their work (it seems there are a bunch of Cincinnati writers penning books about the Reds!), and then a presentation of certificates to the authors themselves. During the presentation of the certificates, the hosts read a brief biography about each author, which they asked us to submit beforehand. When I’d accepted the invitation to the event, I’d dashed off my “normal” biography without a second thought and sent it in. It contains the usual information about my work as a medium ,writer, and instructor–no big changes, nothing unusual.

At least, not unusual to me. But as I sat in the audience yesterday, watching the other authors receive their certificates and listening to their biographies, I started to feel very nervous. Most of these people were professional writers with credentials as long as my arm. They taught at the university level or wrote for magazines and newspapers. Some had written countless books about heavy subjects like cancer, cardiology, the architecture of Cincinnati, or the history of the Catholic Church. Many of them had a “Doctor” in front of their names, and lots had awards out the yin-yang. And as I started sweating my background, I started to wonder how my biography would sound to all of these learned, intellectual people. What would they think of a clairvoyant medium? Would they chuckle and shake their heads over my references to Tarot reading or angels? I could just hear the snickers and the whispers as I sat there, my folded hands clutched together in an ever-tightening death grip.

Worse, what would my children think? They sat next to me, politely paying attention, well-trained from their 9 years in Episcopal school, where they sit through chapel services every week. Would they hear their mom’s biography and sink lower in their seats? Would they be embarrassed if someone in the audience laughed as I walked up to accept my certificate?

Boy, your mind can do terrible things to you, can’t it?

When my name was read out (and mispronounced, as usual), I stood and started up the aisle. It felt like I was walking in a dream, underwater, with no clothes on. I was glad I didn’t have to say anything except “thank you” to the woman handing out the certificates because I was afraid my voice wouldn’t work. When I turned to face the gathering, I spotted my husband on the side aisle, the family camera in hand. I tried to smile, but I’m sure it looked more like a grimace. I haven’t yet looked at the pictures he took; I think I’m afraid I’ll be as white as a sheet. Everything seemed amplified: the lights, brighter; the sound, magnified; my feelings of dread, intense enough to turn my stomach.

But you know what? No one laughed. At least, I didn’t see it if they did. I didn’t notice any disbelieving, shaking heads, either. And I wasn’t pelted with tomatoes. I made it back to my seat in one piece, and I sat there, staring at my certificate with the tremor in my hands melting away.

Now, why would I feel this way? Why would I assume the worst at a moment when I should be proud and happy?

It’s hard to say. Sometimes I am still afraid to speak up for my beliefs. There remains a small part of me that wants more than anything to be accepted, liked, and respected by everyone. EVERYONE. This is, I know, completely unrealistic, and yet I can’t deny that the feeling is there. I don’t like confrontation; I don’t like to have to fight for anything, because I’ve never been a good fighter. I prefer peace; I prefer compromise; I definitely prefer everyone getting along. But the world isn’t always like that, is it? Sometimes, you have to stick up for yourself. Sometimes, you have to voice an unpopular opinion because it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes, you have to realize that not everyone is going to agree with you, or, worse yet, that some people may downright not like you for what you believe, say, or do. And you have to be able to live with that.

Over the years, I know I’ve come a long way in this department. It has never been easy or comfortable for me to voice a dissenting opinion. It has been extremely difficult for me to show emotions like anger or grief because, as a child, I wasn’t allowed to have these feelings. I was expected to always be happy, sunny, and/or quiet. Only one person in my household was allowed to have feelings, and it wasn’t me. I have always been a peacemaker, a referee, the one who smoothes things over and makes it nice. I still do this; I accept that this is part of my nature, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing to embrace. And yet, I’ve learned some things about myself and the world around me. I’ve learned that I have the right to believe the things I do and to live the way I want to live, as long as I’m not hurting myself or anyone else in the process. I’ve learned it’s OK to demand respect and to have the expectation that I deserve it. I’ve learned that I’ve worked long and hard to get where I am, and in recognizing my own divinity, that I should love myself and the journey that has brought me to this place. I have learned that I can and should defend myself if I’m backed into a corner (there may be another post coming soon about this), and I should be proud of who I am, no matter what others think of me.

So, even though I’ve learned all of this, I still get nervous sometimes. Just like yesterday. And yet I was relieved and happy when things turned out well. I did belong at that reception. I worked arduously on my books, and it’s nice to receive some recognition for the work. And maybe, just maybe, someone will pick up one of the books who wouldn’t have before, because they remember seeing me there and thinking, “Well, isn’t that an interesting subject to explore?”

After the presentation, they served refreshments. As I stood in line for punch with my boys (who, after all, didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed to be seen with me), a lady approached and asked, “Are you the medium?”

“Yes,” I said with a smile.

“Can I have your card?”

I handed her one with steady hands. Will she call me? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I was there, and it was a good experience.

Blessings to you all this fine day.

xo

TONIGHT: ASK A MEDIUM Lecture and Booksigning

I’m pleased as punch to be appearing tonight at my church, The United Spiritualists of the Christ Light, for a lecture based on my new book Ask a Medium, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring your friends and your questions about the spirit world, and we’ll have a wonderful, entertaining discussion! After the lecture, we’ll serve light refreshments, and I’ll have books for sale and will sign any that aren’t nailed down. We do collect a love donation for the church for the lecture, just so you know.

The USCL’s address:

4412 Carver Woods Drive Suite 210
Blue Ash, OH 45242

I’d direct you to the USCL website, but it’s currently down. We hope to have it back up soon.

Hope to see you tonight! Have a great weekend!

xox

ASK A MEDIUM on Sale At Llewellyn!

My current book, ASK A MEDIUM , is on sale now through Llewellyn Worldwide’s website. It will make a perfect Valentine’s gift for someone you know and love—or for yourself!

Hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the lovely winter weather. We’ve got plenty of snow in my neck of the woods. I’m a little mad at the groundhog right now.

Blessings to you all! xo

Best of Cincinnati Awards

I am thrilled and humbled to discover that I have been nominated for several City Beat “Best of Cincinnati” awards! I have been nominated in the following categories:

Religious Leader
Massage Therapist
Local Actress
Local Author

It really is super to be acknowledged in such a way. If you’d like to cast your votes, you can visit the site here . There are lots of great categories to vote in, too, so don’t be shy. Cincinnati is a terrific city, so let’s support all the wonderful people, places, and events we have!

Happy Tuesday, everyone. Blessings to you all!

Book Release Party Tonight!

I’m very excited about the book release party tonight for Ask a Medium: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions About the Spirit World. The party will kick off tonight (Friday, January 22, 2010) at 7 p.m. with an hour-long discussion and question-and-answer session about the book. Starting at 8 p.m., I’ll begin selling and signing books, and my terrific office partner, Joanne Franchina, will serve refreshments. I hope to have my husband take pictures of the event, so hopefully, I’ll post those soon.

If you’re in the Greater Cincinnati area, come on out for the festivities! The address of my office:

10901 Reed Hartman Highway
Blue Ash, Ohio 45242

I’d love to meet you there!

If you can’t make it tonight but can get to Hamilton, Ohio, tomorrow, I’m doing a lecture about the book and signing copies at Maiden, Mother, Crone (a small metaphysical shop) beginning at 1 p.m. The store is located at 343 South B Street, Hamilton, OH 45013-3311, and their telephone number is (513) 737-0059.‎ It will be great to connect with even more people there!

Happy Friday to all! I send you all love, peace, and blessings.