Chicago - September 28, 2014

In attendance: Denise, Jeff, Marisol, Nelson and Sonia   

Marisol's uncle, the former director of a Chicago spiritist center, passed on Friday.  We read the prayer for the recently departed and reminisced about his life and work while he was with us.  Nelson sensed hundreds of spirits patiently lined up, waiting to be heard at his closed center.  One of them asked,  "Where are we going to go now?"  The conversation fluctuated between English and Spanish.  Nelson also realized that the uncle had not yet fully crossed over into the spiritual realm, as he was worried about his former center, the spirits who still needed his help, and his own progression.  Nelson heard him asking, "So what happens now?"  Nelson told the table that we still needed to pray for him in order to move him forward on his transition.  As for the assembled spirits who were lined up, a group leader was stepping forward, with bloody knuckles from his incessant knocking on the closed doors of the center. 

Spirits 1 & 2 (via Nelson):  As the spirit sat though Nelson, he said, "You are so nice, so kind.  I would knock before, and we had a good communication (with Marisol's uncle and his center).  Nobody answers my knock now.  Is the door closed? ¿Qué lugar? (Spanish for "What place?").  Is there another door?  I have many friends with me..."  Sonia explained to the spirit that he and his friends were now welcome at our door.  The spirit noticed a "senora"  who had traveled with them, and he wondered who she was.  The table determined that it was Marisol's grandmother, the mother of her uncle.  She had guided this group of spirits to our location.  The spirit was thirsty, and he asked for water as his conversation continued: "A new door?  Lugar.  We are confused, looking for him (the uncle) and we cannot find him.  His place was filled with spirits.  We were sad now because the door would not open.  Do you know how many we are?  We are 1,923."  After some persuasion from the table, the spirit and his group decided to go with Marisol's grandmother, and they all left.

Marisol's grandmother remained behind to address our table from her a position behind Nelson.  She wanted us to know that it was, "good to know that I can continue my job."  She explained that in addition to helping the group of spirits find their way to our door, she had appeared for another purpose - to help her son with his transition.  "But I had to do the work first, so he can wait," she said gently.  Nelson described her as very pleasant and funny, and Marisol explained that her grandmother was a medium and a healer when she was in the material world.  She used to receive remedies for health issues in her dreams, and she would share these remedies with anyone who needed them.  She expressed how happy she was that Marisol was continuing to work, and she wanted to let her know that eventually a door to another spiritual center would open for her when she was ready.  She added, "In the meantime, you have this.  Keep working.  Put your house in order." 

Nelson sensed something for "La", an 84 year old daughter of Marisol's grandmother who was living in Puerto Rico.  "I go to La and I talk to her," the grandmother said, "but she will not do what I say.  She's very stubborn."  The spirit said that La was not well (and Marisol agreed).  The spirit advised Marisol to visit La in Puerto Rico, and she promised to be with Marisol on the entire journey.  "Next time, let me sit," the grandmother told Nelson. "Sometimes the problems with mediums is that they think they have nothing to learn.  You are going to learn a lot from me," she advised sweetly.  Marisol's grandmother also told us that she continues to do her job, but she has been looking for someone to receive and write messages from her to help others.  It would be similar to what she did when she was in the material world.  She seemed frustrated with her inability to find someone, describing her ongoing efforts with a Spanish word for "crap" or "nonsense".  As this spirit prepared to leave us to tend to Marisol's uncle (her son), she explained his situation.  His spirit was no longer in his material body, but it had not been fully removed either - it hovered or floated over his body.  Marisol's grandmother explained that this was a process we all must experience, and she left. 

Spirit 3 (via Nelson): Denise's eyeglasses fell from her face and landed on the table.  A new spirit had arrived, and this was his way to be noticed - even though he was not yet ready to sit.  Nelson asked Denise about her ongoing "war" with her father, and Denise explained that her father was not taking care of himself.  His living arrangements left a lingering smell in his room that Denise could not tolerate.  She described it as, "the smell of death."  Nelson felt as if Denise's dad had given up and that he wanted to go, and Denise agreed.  Nelson advised Denise not to fight with her father, as his choices were not her business.  As difficult as it might be to see him making poor decisions, they were still his choices, not hers.  Sonia wondered, "Why are we holding on to all this stuff?" Marisol said the spirit of Denise's father, " has given up," and Nelson agreed, as he was shown the father's room as the setting for a funeral. 

Nelson believed that the house should be completely aired out, with the windows and doors left open.  He sensed layers of "catacombs" being built within the fumes of the dark, dank air and the rank smell of the father's surroundings only encouraged this atmosphere.  Marisol asked Denise if she was able to relocate to a studio apartment or to move in with a roommate.  She sensed that Denise needed to find a safe space for herself within the house if no other arrangements could be made.  Denise was working on it, and Marisol cautioned that the safe space was not just for Denise's physical health, it was also to protect her spirit.  Denise shared some of her health issues with the table.  Marisol realized that Denise was an "emotional eater," and Denise agreed.  Nelson strongly recommended that Denise have her stomach checked - by a new doctor, not her current specialist.  There was something there.  Nelson began to speak in an urgent tone, saying: "Listen!  You have been given a message! Find a new doctor.  Call as soon as you can."  The table realized that a spirit had slipped into Nelson as he told Denise, "Something is not right...."

The spirit started speaking briefly in Spanish, and then he switched to English:

Spirit: I am not leaving that place.

Denise: What is the reason for you to be there?

Spirit: I am not talking to you.  (the spirit moved Nelson's hands behind his back, as if he were being restrained by someone)  Why are they holding me back?

Marisol: Listen to the kind spirits around you...

Spirit: I like it quiet.  I was doing what I need to do.

Marisol: Do you feel better (for what you have done)?

Spirit: No.  I'm a mess.  Look at me.  But we find what we are looking for and then we do not want to leave.

Marisol: You belong in the spirit world.

Spirit: (angry, and struggling in his seat):  Why are they holding me back?

Marisol: Your intentions are not good.

Spirit:  They brought me here,  Under arrest!   They took me.  I was not finished.  (pause) You know I don't like him (referring to Denise's father).  He is not nice, and not kind.  Not good.

Marisol: We have to forgive.

Spirit (noticing the guide who is with him):  He says I have to go.

Marisol: And forgive, so that you can move on.

Spirit (sighing): I'll leave him alone.  I've done enough.  Me and my group.

Jeff: How many are in your group?

Spirit: How old is he?  (pause) We are 79, one for every year.  It's a house of nuts.

The spirit departed, and Marisol told Denise to protect herself.  She should not be responsible for anyone else, because if she takes on the responsibilities of the others in her household, Denise is the one who will be sick.  Denise was advised to pray for protection and to push away the negativity when it arises.  "You have protection if you ask for it," Marisol reminded her.

Marisol also sensed that Nelson was undecided about something.  Nelson explained that although he loved his family in Puerto Rico, he is often called upon to resolve most of their problems.  After he helped them with an issue or situation, there wasn't any change in behavior, and no responsibility on their part.  The cycle repeats and repeats.  Marisol saw the situation as, "very heavy," and she cautioned that like Denise, these recurring situations "do not belong to you, Nelson."  Nelson sensed a group of madames surrounding his mother.  They felt lost and unable to work.  One of them sat through Nelson.

Spirit 4 (via Nelson):  The madame was very animated, and she spoke in Spanish.  She clapped her hands and told us she wanted to "open doors".  She explained that she "worked differently."  She described her good works as "carrying on when we are ordered to."  She explained that she was always around Nelson's mother, and described herself as "very strong."  She often had to "do things behind the scenes, as some things cannot be said."  She saw the situation in Puerto Rico as, "They have a party, but nothing gets done."  The madame also understood that "a bigger place was needed" (for our sessions), and she demanded to know, "Where are all the people?"  She urged Nelson to be calm and tranquil in regards to his family, repeating "calma" in Spanish several times.  "Take it easy," she cautioned, "It will all come when it should, one step at a time."  She sensed that Nelson was not sleeping well some weekends, and she wanted him to know that he "was not the salvation for his entire family."  The madame said that their situations were "in their own hands," just as Nelson's work was in his hands.  She continued:  "The salvation of your mother is in her hands, it's her responsibility.  Each person is responsible for their own being."  She explained that her group knew that they were spirits, and they knew what they were doing.  The madame also said that she enjoyed working with Nelson and guiding him, "because he does good things".  The madame described Nelson as a "good guy" and told the table that she was going to "cleanse him too."  She described herself as wearing a white turban, and explained that she was with a group of, "eight madames and one director," adding quickly, "But we do not like titles."  She said her group was "all dressed in white, and the white turban is our flag."  Once the madame had finished cleansing Nelson, "so that he can continue to work," she and her group left quietly.  The table discussed her presence.

Spirit 5 (via Marisol):  Marisol's spirit guide arrived, and she wanted to use Marisol to give passes to Denise.  (Note: Marisol's spirit guide is also a madame)  The passes were lengthy and intense. Marisol also stood behind Jeff, explaining that he might be lonely sometimes, but he was well loved.  She sensed a sadness in his heart, that "you don't show your partner."  Once she was returned to her seat, Marisol's spirit guide spoke to the group in Spanish.  She was a powerful presence.  After she left, our table discussed the possibility of meeting anytime for a reunion/session, whenever the need arose.

Spirit 6 (via Nelson): The spirit of Don Polo spoke from behind Nelson, promising to return again at our next session.  He wanted to remind us that our "questions were always good."  Referencing an earlier conversation in the living room before our session, Don Polo wanted the group to know that the spirit of Nelson's aunt (Norma) was with him, and she was very busy learning.  She was smiling, looking at Nelson and missing him, fondly remembering the work they did together.  Jeff thought that the two of them would eventually work together again.  Nelson saw Norma as "protected," as if she were inside a bubble, and he realized that her energy level was very different from his own at this time, so she had to be separated.  Nelson heard Norma when she said, "Keep doing it."

Don Polo said that the reunion could be closed.  There was more work to do, but that work would be done in the background on the spiritual side.  Nelson closed with a prayer.

For those wondering what a typical Cuban "madame" looks like...

Enjoy the ride!

Astute readers may have noticed that the dates for these notes has changed.  It's no longer 2012 in Florida, we are now in Chicago, and it's 2014.

Chicago - September 21, 2014

In attendance: Denise, Jeff, Mia, Nelson and Sonia 

 

Nelson sensed a spirit who wanted him to ask how everyone at the table was doing.  There was a message for Mia's sister, involving her financial worries (the situation will improve with time).  Nelson also mentioned a medium from Argentina.  She had been diagnosed with cancer, and Nelson saw her "drowning" and feeling alone.  Sonia suggested that we contact her family to get them involved, instead of waiting for the medium to reach out to us.  Jeff cautioned that we needed to be empathic in addition to sympathizing.  Nelson's spirit guide advised him that it would be fine if he wanted to contact her. 

 

Nelson had a sensation as if his ears were being plugged, and he believed that the medium in Argentina might be experiencing the same sensation.  The table determined that the hearing blockage symbolized that she was listening to the wrong voices (the real voices were blocked), and Nelson understood that her cancer was focused on her lymph nodes.  Mia added that the lymph nodes were what connected the perispirit to the physical world.  Nelson saw this infection as little white balls.  He sensed that if this medium no longer used her mediumship abilities correctly, they would be taken away.  Nelson also sensed a spirit who was pretending to be a good spiritual guide for her - but he was not.

 

Spirit 1 (via Nelson):  Nelson heard the spirit say to the Argentinean medium, "You don't need anyone, you have me," as he sat through Nelson:

 

Spirit: She is listening to me only.  I am the one with control.  I am the one with control, and she listens to me.  I am the driver, driving her.  Nothing else goes in, so don't try.  I shut out everything.  (laughs)  It's time for her to go.  She thinks she's been helping a lot of people?  No.  She is not the only sick one (laughing), even in her own family there is sickness.  That's what she did with us, she shut us down.  What is it you say?  Something about, "payback is a ..."?  (Pause) They have brought me somewhere.  I don't know you people.  Who are you?  Different, different.  The work is not done, it's not completed.  They told me I need to go to a doctor?  It will be my operation, not hers? 

Jeff: You need to be in a hospital

Spirit: Mine is first?  Not hers?  (pause)  I feel so sick...

Denise: Get healthy and have the help you need.

Spirit: Can I get some water?  (pause)  I cannot drink it, but I'm thirsty.  It's a different hospital, not like hers.  I'll feel better?  She will be able to listen?

Sonia: Accept it and let her go.  No more.

Spirit: They are telling me I need to leave her.

Jeff:  That's why you are here with us, to be helped.

Spirit: I am taking everything with me.  There are 27 of us, covering everything - her mouth, senses, heart.  She didn't want to listen.  I need a better doctor, a different hospital, they say.

Sonia: Yes, they are enlightened.

Spirit: Tell her I'm leaving.  Moving.  My time there is done.  I'm gonna go there with him.  (Mia randomly opened the Book of Spirits and began to read a selection)

Spirit: They are showing us the beds...

Sonia: Light and progression for your spirit.

 

As the spirit departed, Nelson saw the medium in Argentina in a very weak condition.  She was lethargic, in a controlled state similar to a zombie, unable to think for herself.  The good spirits were now giving her passes to replenish her strength.  Nelson also sensed a new group.  It was a very large group of spirits, and one of them said, "We are hobos.  When you see us, you make fun of us."  The table discussed the issue, agreeing that these vagabond spirits were very similar to the homeless people in the material world.  These spirits were so needy, they would attach themselves to anyone who would allow it. 

 

Spirit 2 (via Nelson):  Nelson said the assembled group had a foul odor, and he was overwhelmed with how many of them were present.  After some persuasion, one of them stepped forward and sat through Nelson:

 

Spirit: We are everywhere. You think we are crazy, we are not.

Mia: Some of you cheat...

Sonia: You are obsessors, taking over thoughts.

Spirit: You people understand us.  Some people are easy to get to.  They brought us here.  It's a good place?

Sonia: There is positive energy.

Spirit: Guides brought us, they have done a collection.  It's time for peace.  I don't want to be confused anymore (the spirit began to cry).  I am so tired...

Sonia: You will find peace...

Denise: We are here to help you.

Spirit: Do you understand?  We drift.  I'm so tired.  We go here, we go there.  We like those who give us drinks.

Sonia: That's not the best thing for you...

Spirit: It makes us not as crazy.  You have no idea how many of us there are - so many, just sitting, standing.  (pause)  Some of us need medicine (drugs).  Now they say we won't need that anymore?  When you see us, don't laugh.  You don't know the stories, the demons we deal with.  I have my own.  They will take them away?  My mind will be mine?  (The spirit began to cry again, this time because he was happy.)  Sorry.  Some of us are happy and some of us (hobo spirits) belong to all of you (referring to the table).  All of us will go.  We are 185 hobo's.

Jeff: Does that include you?

Spirit: No. The 185 are all seated.  Standing up there are 349.  Those over in that corner - drinking - they are a bigger group of 620.  My group...this group of mine.  Our minds are not ours anymore (the spirit gestured as if injecting narcotics into his arm).  We are the biggest group, 909.

Sonia: You came to the right place.

Spirit: They do this once in a while, cleansing and relocating to a better place.  When you see one of us, give us help.  Understand who we are.  Just say, 'Someone will help you'.  I cannot be here too long.  Look at that, they are bringing nice cars, look at them.  To take us to the hospital...

 

As the spirit departed, the table discussed the "hobo spirits" and Jeff shared a story of a homeless man he saw sleeping on the sidewalk a day ago.  Initially disgusted, when Jeff walked by the same spot later, he noticed that someone had purchased apple juice and set it near the man.  At first it seemed as if the apple juice was just enabling the homeless man to make himself more comfortable on the sidewalk, but now Jeff realized that offering something - even if it was only an understanding - was a better solution than just walking by in disgust.

 

Spirit 3 (via Nelson):  The spirit of Don Paulo (a frequent presence at our table) had arrived and he spoke from a position behind Nelson, telling the table, "I didn't forget about you".  When we last met, Don Paulo gave our table an assignment - asking us to hug and forgive someone.  He wanted us to go around the table now and share our experiences with this "compromise" so that we could learn from each other.  Don Paulo said that he had brought other spirits with him who wanted to hear our stories and observe our table.  As soon as Nelson finished sharing his story, Don Paulo changed positions and sat through him.

 

Spirit: It's nice to be able to come back.  It's so easy to judge others, but it's hard to understand them.  You can all do different assignments.  You know, I was around all of you when you did this assignment.  I go everywhere, and I am always with him (Nelson).  It was a small assignment, but the accomplishment was big.  The hearts and minds that you changed will compensate you in many other ways.  We are watching and observing.  Try to become a more caring, loving, understanding human being.  (pause)  Appreciate your own lives when you see hobos.  Try harder to understand that other place you go (the Spiritist Society lectures).  We are moving them in the right direction.  I've been there, observing like you, and taking notes like you.  Change will come, but slowly.  (Looks to Denise)  Things will get better for you.  Be patient and understand others.  Control your thoughts, and learn to say, "Not now".  (Addressing the entire table)  There is a new assignment for next week.  We are planning something different.  So go out - and have another week.  Try to help all that you meet.  Give them a smile, and you will find inner peace.  While we were talking, I have gotten a group of spirits together from this table that I will take with me.  There are 45 spirits belonging to everyone at this table.  Here is something for next week.  I want everyone to ask me any question you want.  Just one question.  I think we are done for today?  We are, you can close.

 

Mia closed with a prayer.

Florida - October 21, 2012

In attendance: Astrid, Jackie, Jeff, Gloria and Santiago

 

Spirit 1 (via Astrid & Gloria): Astrid opened the session by describing a spirit she saw standing guard over the chair where Nelson usually sat.  She described this spirit as very tall - like Don Quixote - and he was very shiny and silver.  The spirit said, "This chair is special."  Jackie mentioned that Nelson often handled troubled spirits, so anyone who might sit in that chair may feel the impact of those difficult spirits.  Astrid saw the tall spirit as an aesthetic figure, more concerned with the creation and appreciation of  art or beauty.  She felt this spirit was a holy man, making penitence for the sins of the world.

 

As Astrid was describing this spirit, Gloria heard a lot of voices talking all at once.  She saw the spirit as a brother of Nelson, and then she realized that the room was filled with brothers and sisters - all speaking at once.  They were attending our session to learn, and they were laughing at us because we designated a chair as a place reserved for Nelson.  "Nothing belongs to nobody," Gloria heard one of the spirits say, "Even with only one person, you can sit and talk to us."  Gloria saw this group of siblings with their teachers acting as guides.  A member of this group said, "We will be here until this meeting is closed."

 

Spirit 2 (via Astrid): Astrid began to speak quietly to a spirit.  "You don't have to ask me when it is your turn," Astrid said, causing the spirit to jump into Astrid's body.  It was Maria, a spirit guide for our table and former great aunt of Astrid.  She spoke in Spanish, and wanted to bless our session, "I hope it is filled with light and harmony in the name of God." The spirit also told us that, "peace is always inside you."  As this gentle spirit faded away, she offered us comfort and blessings for a peaceful meeting, and she reminded us that we are always learning.

 

While Astrid was channeling the spirit of Maria, she was taken to another world, and she heard celestial music. Astrid described it as taking a trip to a place that she has always wanted to see - a second world.  The music she heard was all one long note that was very peaceful.  "Like chanting?," Jackie asked.  "Not really," Astrid replied, and she told the group that she was very content to get a glimpse of a place that she longed to see for so long.

 

Spirit 3 (via Jackie): Jackie saw the spirit of a woman for Gloria.  This lady was somehow connected to Puerto Rico, as she seemed to be in an older neighborhood and she looked as if she was poor.  Jackie could not see the face of this spirit, but she saw her going door to door in the neighborhood.  As she knocked on each door, the spirit would say, "Not there".

 

Jackie was unable to determine what or who the spirit was looking for with her search.  Was she in another time and unable to realize it?  The spirit saw herself as looking the same as she always had, but it seemed as if the people who lived in the houses had all moved on.  Jackie said the spirit was looking for a family or friends that were somehow connected to Gloria, but they all moved on.

 

Spirit 4 (via Astrid & Jackie): Astrid asked Jeff if Nelson mentioned anything about additional spirits of past friends hovering around.  Jeff replied that he had not, and Astrid saw a group of them dancing around Jeff.  Jackie also saw them, ready for Jeff to join their party.  She described it as Mom and Dad being away, so now it was time for Jeff to get out and party.  Astrid saw these spirits as not being sick or evil, they just wanted Jeff to join them.  Jackie heard one of them said, "When the parents are gone, the party should start."  Jeff tried to move them away by telling them that he was too tired to join the party.

 

Next, Jackie saw a spirit in the complex where Gloria lived.  It was a woman named Mary who lived downstairs before she passed.  Mary seemed to be busy decorating her apartment for Halloween, and Gloria confirmed that if she were still alive, that would be something Mary would enjoy.

 

Jackie closed with a prayer.

Florida - October 14, 2012

In attendance: Astrid, Jackie, Jeff, Gloria, Gregory, Nelson and Santiago

 

(Note: Our sessions are usually held at Astrid's house, but this one took place at Nelson's.)

Before the session started, Jackie noticed a group of spirits peering in the window from outside.  They wondered, "Is this was the new place?"  These spirits seemed to recognize the participants at our table, but not the location.

 

Spirit 1 (via Nelson): Once the session started, Nelson channeled a spirit who was angry.  Gloria said she knew why the spirit was mad, and it was related to her daughter.  (Note: The conversation with this spirit alternated from Spanish to English)

 

Spirit (to Gloria): You went to her house, and you could not convince her to come.

Gloria: You were hurting her, giving her (a spiritual form of) heartburn.

Spirit:  And now you will feel that same uncomfortable burning sensation in your throat!  We have planted seeds in her esophagus and yours, and these seeds are bursting open to cause the burning.  It's much more complicated than you think.

Gloria: Why don't you explain it to me?

Spirit: She has allowed us into her home for a long time.  Now she tells us, 'stop being there - no, wait be there again.'  Do you know how many times she has done this? Do you know what she used to make us drink when we were burning with thirst?  We were tired of being burned, having dry throats, and she gave us Clorox to quench the burning.  It only made things worse!  She was experimenting on us!

Gloria: Those experiments were from another lifetime.

Astrid: She is not the same person now, she is someone else.

Spirit: I do not care.  This woman (Gloria) brought us here.  Why?

Astrid: She had to clean that house, and you wanted an opportunity to speak at our table.

Spirit: Then we will give the burning sensation to everyone here!  We have been looking for water for a long time, and it is not being offered here.

Gloria: Go with the ones who brought you, they have water for you.

Spirit: Are they going to take these seeds away from me?  I don't want that to happen.  (pause)  Do you know how tired I am?  She (Gloria) talked, talked, talked to get us here, so if she shuts up, I will leave.

 

The mediums were shown that the spirit guide who brought this presence to the table was a female, and she was encouraging the spirit to verbalize more of his thoughts . "We are taking the burning smell of cigarettes with us," the spirit said, "and you will not smell them anymore."  The spirit said he was one of nineteen spirits and that all twenty of them would leave together. He cautioned Gloria that her daughter, "Cannot say that she doesn't know about us, as she does."  As he exited, the mediums prayed for him.

 

Nelson understood that Gloria's daughter wanted peace in her life, and he knew that this would not be possible unless she took the necessary steps to change things. The spirit world hoped she would move away from the sidelines.  "If she does not," the female spirit guide said, "our hands will be tied, and attempts to help her will be futile." Nelson said it was important for Gloria's daughter to realize that she was never alone. Gloria has opened the doors for her, providing her with a safe place to go for more information and clarification. There were no excuses for her not to progress and grow spiritually.

 

Spirit 2 (via Nelson):  Another spirit arrived, and he spoke from a standing position behind Nelson.  He said he was a good friend of the table and of the family, but he would not give his name.  He agreed that there was a "lot of work to be done," with Gloria's daughter.  She needed to overcome her fears, and her son (Gregory) would be the tool used by the spirits to reach and teach his mother. Nelson saw this presence as a spirit guide for Gregory, and he was very happy to see Gregory at our table. Speaking through Nelson, this spirit urged the group to "take it easy with him. His curiosity is higher than anyone thinks." The spirit told Gregory not to be afraid of this new knowledge, "as it will pull you in and give you wings." This spirit promised to stay close to Gregory at all times, and when the time was right, the spirit would reveal the relationship between the two of them.  Gregory will never be alone. The spirit also encouraged him to "create a name for me, as a way to call upon me whenever I am needed." As the spirit softly glided away, Astrid and Gloria confirmed that this spirit was extremely strong and exceptionally kind - but also quite powerful.

 

Spirit 3 (via Jackie):  Jackie saw a new spirit next to Gregory, and she described him as an older man who wanted to stop Gregory from doing something. Nelson understood that Gregory was constantly trying to help his mother, and he wondered if this spirit was trying to prevent that from happening. Jackie was shown a different vision - with Gregory in a former life as a monk (Astrid saw the same vision). He was chanting, with his hands folded into his robe, and Jackie described this past existence as extremely calm and peaceful. The message seemed to be, "If this is the way it is supposed to be, so be it."  In the past life and in this life, Jackie envisioned Gregory as a light. In the spiritual world, this sort of illumination often translated to someone seeing more clearly, or coming to a realization of what has been there all along.

 

Spirit 4 (via Nelson): The next spirit sat through Nelson. There was a storm brewing around Jeff's family and the spirits wanted to advise him not to get involved. Jeff understood, but this spirit cautioned him that his family would try anything possible to pull him into the situation. Jeff was instructed to "offer condolences or express how sorry you are over the situation, but do not, do not, do not ever be involved."  Gloria had a vision of Jeff cutting a large yellow cloth with scissors, and she was shown a large hand pulling Jeff away from this task and the situation when it occurs. Jackie saw the spirit of Janet (the recently deceased best friend of Jeff's mother), hovering near Jeff offering her help if it was needed. Nelson compared the upcoming event to "a volcano throwing out lots of bad energy," and Astrid agreed.

 

Spirit (to Jeff):  He thinks he is better than the family, and he is not better than any of us.

Jackie: Are you jealous of him? Why are you mad at him?

Spirit: Things go well for him, and then he doesn't want to be around us.

Jackie: Consider the choices you made, and compare those with the choices that he has made.

Spirit: I don't want to be involved with them anymore.  He is part of us, and yet when we call him, he only answers when he wants.  The connection with him and his family is a long rope.  He cuts it, and we put it back together again.  When this rope is cut, we have to tie knots to reassemble that connection.

Astrid: That rope has now been put away, and you will not be allowed it to put it together again.

Spirit: We have some people that we do like, but they are not here. It's boring over here, but over there (referring to Jeff's family) there is always some excitement.

Jackie: Wouldn't you prefer a more peaceful existence?

Spirit: Yes, I would.  I will give the rope to him (Jeff).

 

The mediums told the spirit that he would be much happier once he left the rope behind. The spirit said he was very tired from the endless retying the knots to keep the rope assembled.  Nelson was shown what was on the other side of the rope, and he said it was better not to open what was hiding there. The spirit told him there was another lady on the opposite side of the rope (not Jeff's mother), and he described her as "heavy" (overweight, probably Jeff's sister), and she has been pulling the rope with as much force as possible. As the spirit began to fade away, he said, "I am not sorry for anything I have done, but I have decided to go with that guy who brought me. (looking at Jeff)  I didn't like him, did you know that?"

 

Spirit 5 (via Astrid):  The next spirit passed into Astrid, and she spoke in Spanish to Gloria.  At one point, they both stood up, and Gloria recognized this spirit as the deceased grandson of a friend. Nelson also stood with them to offer support. This spirit previously appeared at a session in Astrid's house, and he was very scared, as he was in a very dark place within the spirit world. With Gloria's help, the spirit said that he had made a lot of spiritual progress, and he wanted to return to our table and thank her and the others for helping him grow in the spirit world. Although the message was brief, this spirit was very positive and his presence seemed to refresh the entire group.

 

Spirit 6 (via Jackie): Jackie asked Gregory about a girl in his life who thought that he was not paying enough attention to her, and Gregory understood. Astrid spoke to him in Spanish about his life, and the group discussed that even if Gloria continued to see her grandson (Gregory) as "her baby," he was now a capable adult. It was determined that the spirit of Gloria's grandfather was offering this message. Nelson said the girl mentioned by Jackie was, "seeing him with the wrong eyes.  Don't hurt her feelings, but do not let her into your life romantically."  Jackie added, "She is in love with you."  Gregory confirmed that he has known this person for seven or eight years and she has been waiting for him to love her back - but it was unlikely to ever happen.

 

Spirit 7 (via Nelson):  Nelson believed that Jackie's longtime friend and former roommate wanted to take Jackie to bed. Jackie shared that they were close friends since he was 14 years old, but there was never any sex involved. Nelson advised her to be careful, as her friend was surrounded by a group of spiritual friends who were pushing him into sleeping with Jackie. Nelson described the group of spirits as very negative, and they disliked Jackie for helping her friend.  Sex was their way to damage the relationship. Astrid described the situation as "kind of messy, and not very positive in any way."  Gregory said, "A lot of deceit is involved." Jackie explained that the sexual situation was addressed long ago, and that the friendship ultimately won. Nelson described these spirits as being restrained in a cage, and Gloria agreed, saying "they needed to tie them up to remove them."  As she spoke, a group of the good Indian spirits who are often with Gloria arrived to remove the mischievous spirits.

 

Spirit 8 (via Gloria):  Santiago saw something, but he was reluctant to bring it up. Gloria was suddenly taken by a spirit who spoke in a soft voice to Jackie.  It was her father:

Spirit: I am sorry dear daughter, if this is not the way I talk to you.

Jackie: I'm glad you are here...

Spirit: This young man (Gregory) knows that he must push his friend away to the side, and you know even more than that - as you also know better.  I am here to help you whenever you need it.  We both still have a lot to learn together.   

 

Jackie was overwhelmed, as her father was never much of a spiritualist when he was alive, and she told him that she loved him. He encouraged Jackie to, "Learn from the others and put a little distance into that relationship with your friend, even if it hurts." This spirit was soft spoken and kind, and the group was surprised when he said in his quiet, yet direct voice, "I don't know how to do this very well." As he began to fade away, Astrid told him, "But you did it, isn't that great?"

 

Spirit 9 (via Santiago): Santiago felt a stronger urge to share what he was seeing earlier with the group. He saw Jackie's house and bedroom violently splashed with a lot of blood - like the aftermath of a crime scene. Jackie stated that she kept a gun in the house, and the mediums saw police cars in front of her residence. Nelson reminded Jackie that with or without a weapon, her good spirit guides would assure that she was never alone. This led to a group discussion about free will. In both the material and spiritual worlds, we always have our own free will to make our choices.

 

(See the next post for more on free will)

 

Spirit 10 (via Gloria):  A spirit arrived , and she spoke directly to Nelson, calling him "negrito, negrito". She seemed to be a positive presence, and Nelson recognized her as a "madame," one of the many black spiritual guides that Nelson often felt around him, offering protection. This madame spoke through Gloria in Spanish and English. She explained that she had cleansed the house of Nelson's parents in Puerto Rico, and she was keeping his mother calm and relaxed for his upcoming visit. She stated that she would be next to him on his trip.  Nelson envisioned the madame dressed all in white.  She referenced Jeff, and she supported his efforts in taking care of Nelson.  She told the table that Jeff had the key that could be used to close the door to protect Nelson. The madames were frequent visitors at our table over the years, and they were very charismatic and refreshingly funny.  The madame used Gloria to demonstrate how she would raact on the plane to Puerto Rico with Nelson.  She closed her eyes to avoid looking out of the airplane window, and humorously screamed that she did not enjoy the flight experience. As she peacefully left the table, she reminded the group that all of us, "were also black, at one point". The group discussed the history of the madames, focusing on the good and bad sides that they chose for their work. Astrid said that their physical (material world) location was often poor, but their knowledge was not.

 

Spirit 11 (via Jackie):  Jackie saw two words that related to Jeff and Nelson's upcoming trip: "Argentina and Money". She was not getting anything more descriptive than those two words, but she cautioned them to be careful, as the money involved was a lot of money. "You don't have to be in a back alley," she advised.

 

Spirit 12 (via Astrid):  Gloria noticed a spirit approaching Astrid, and Gregory smelled an interesting scent.  Astrid had not sensed anything, and the spirit quickly jumped into her without warning.  The spirit was a female, and she appeared to be a friendly presence. She arrived to offer a "benediction" and a "blessing for each of us."  The path in front of her was surrounded by white flowers scattered on the floor (the smell experienced  by Gregory). After blessing the table and our efforts, she departed as quickly as she arrived.

 

Spirit 13 (via Jackie):  Jackie sensed the spirit of Edgar standing behind her.  Jackie attended spiritual sessions in his home when he was alive, and she helped continue the center when his daughter took it over. He was very clam, but also quite sad that he had to visit our group to observe spiritual sessions.  He wished he could attend the sessions that his daughter has been conducting since his death. "I thought I taught them well," he sighed.  Gloria knew him when he was alive, and she told him that he was always welcome at our table.  Jackie explained that it was not his teaching, Edgar's family had free will to make their own decisions. Nelson was shown that things would eventually change in that group, and Gloria agreed. Free will was a central theme for all of the spiritual messages in this session.

 

Jackie closed with a prayer.

Florida - October 9, 2012

In attendance: Astrid, Gloria, Jackie Jeff, Nelson and Santiago

Nelson began the session by asking Astrid if she had vistited her mother in the hospital. As promised, Astrid saw her mother and asked the questions that she and the spirit world wanted to know. Although the previous session had given Astrid some thoughts that her hospitalized mother might not be her biological mother, she left the hospital believing that she really was the daughter of her mother. Astrid vividly remembered being about two years old and saying to her mother, "I am your daughter." Nelson stated that sometimes the love of a mother comes from someone else, and wondered if this might not be the case with this situation. Gloria understood that Astrid's spiritual mother adored her, and she never saw the hospital mother as a rival - as there was no tenderness from her. Astrid confirmed that her relationship with the hospitalized mother was often strained. The group reached a consensus that the important thing was for Astrid to be at peace with the issue - regardless of what others think - and Astrid said that she was.

Nelson had two issues he wanted to address with the table. First, he wondered why things have to erupt and overflow whenever he planed to visit Puerto Rico. He felt as if everything was just waiting for him to arrive to explode. Gloria (speaking to him in Spanish) saw the island and his family as a mess, and she advised Nelson to approach the situation with a long pole to help Nelson keep his distance. Nelson agreed.  Gloria also detected some jealousy from Nelson's family, and she cautioned him to avoid situations that might cause friction. Nelson shared that he spoke with his sister recently, and he relayed the message that she needed a doctor for her worsening condition. Nelson knew he could not spiritually cross the line to help his sister with her medical issues. Jackie agreed, "If he does assist her, the punishment is not going to be pretty." Astrid realized the sister needed surgery to have her uterus removed, and the group discussed the issue.  If the procedure is not completed, Astrid explained that the sister could suffer from a disease called Endometriosis - a medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus appear and flourish outside of the uterine cavity. The symptoms and bleeding that she is experiencing now are often the first signals of the onset of this disease. Jackie saw the issue as "life-threatening" if it was not corrected, and Astrid advised that this hormonal issue must be dealt with as soon as possible. (Note: Nelson's sister had the operation on October 12 and she has recovered.)

The second item that Nelson wanted to address was the death on October 6th of Tito, a medium from the center in Argentina. Nelson has seen Tito's spirit twice, still sitting in the room used for sessions in Argentina waiting for someone to come in and wake him up. He is always in the same chair. Astrid believed that it will be Nelson's duty to wake Tito up when he visits again, and Gloria added that when this happens, everyone at the center will learn something from the experience. Mary, the director of the spiritualist center in Argentina had asked Nelson for a prayer at our table for Tito. Gloria and Jackie both envisioned Tito's spirit in a condition that was more material than spiritual. Nelson sighed that sometimes it might be nice to not see anything, and Astrid reminded him that "one of the jobs is to teach." Nelson was studying a spirit related to him, and he believed that this presence is what caused him to say that it might be nice not to see spirits.

Spirit 1 (via Nelson): The spirit started to bother Nelson, causing him to move uncomfortably. Both Astrid and Gloria heard this spirit challenging Nelson and threatening "to whip your ass." Gloria was shown a door closing on Nelson in Puerto Rico, and Jackie confirmed that this spirit does not want Nelson involved at all over there. Gloria sensed this spirit approaching, and she moved her fingers in a circular pattern, imitating the spirit and teasing, "You cannot catch me..."  The spirit abruptly entered Nelson:

Astrid: Why are you so angry with him?

Spirit (agitated and filled with energy): Because he sticks his nose in where it doesn't belong. He thinks he can solve their problems? I want to smack him!  He doesn't have to go there, and if they stop me, I'm gonna stop him and smack him.

Astrid: Calm down.  That is not possible, you are here with us now.

Spirit: Dead, dead, dead! That's what he thinks about - what happened to him?  He likes to talk about dead people because you people are dead - look at all of you!  Well, I am not dead - look! (The spirit began to dance around in his seat.)

Gloria: Those parties are in the past.

Spirit: Look who he (Nelson) parties with now - you, an old woman!

Jackie: You partied too much and you died.

Astrid: They are going to show you your body, and you need to leave him alone.

(The spirit stopped dancing and appeared to be looking at something unpleasant)

Jackie: They are showing you your grave.  Do you see your name on the headstone?

Gloria: Accept that you are now in the spirit world.

Spirit (uncertain):  Where are they going to take me?  No more parties?

Astrid: You will only keep the memories of the parties now.

Spirit: They are taking me away from the car I was in.  It doesn't work anymore. Look what they brought, an old horse and cart. A horse!  They say I am sick...Where will they take me?.

Gloria: You will go to a nice place to relax, where you can rest and learn.

Spirit: A hospital?  Can he (Nelson) visit me and we can be friends? But not in this way.  He is boring anyway, and I'm thirsty, so I am going to go with them.  Tell him (Nelson) that we have had lots of good times together, and I am sorry if I said anything wrong.

As this spirit left Nelson's body, he cried out, "I see you...I see you..." and he was gone.

Spirit 2 (via Nelson):  Nelson's spirit guide arrived through Nelson, speaking softer than usual. In Spanish, he said that Nelson thinks he can do everything and that he is invincible - and he is not. The spirit guide explained that he often has to let Nelson experience something to let him learn. Sometimes, Nelson has to hit his head against a wall to learn the lesson. The spirit guide said that we all have our own free will, but he often tries to speak to Nelson and he doesn't want to hear him. "He is hard-headed, and if he doesn't want to hear me, he won't," the spirit guide continued. "Tell him that I told him the last two times we spoke that he is to use that long stick and take caution in Puerto Rico. Without that long pole, he (Nelson) always wants to do things he cannot, and he needs to be clear with his family. He can be happy with them, but when we (the spirit world) tell him 'only up to there' he needs to listen to us." The spirit guide added that in the material world, we need to listen to our material bodies - but in the spiritual world, we cannot act or speak in the same way. We often make mistakes because we are good-hearted (like Nelson).  The spirit guide quietly stepped away, offering us his blessings. Nelson explained that he called upon his spirit guide to erase his exhaustion from passing the last spirit.

Spirits 3 & 4 (via Jackie): Jackie said that a spirit was speaking to her while Nelson's guide was with the group. This spirit wanted to let the table know that the spirit world was rigidly controlled, and the spirits can only do what is allowed. In an attempt to offer help, the mediums sometimes overextend the boundaries, and they may not be able to handle what happens next. "We will stop you however we see fit," the spirit told Jackie.  As she was explaining this, Jackie had a vision of her mother's spirit hitting Nelson on the back of his head and saying, "Listen!"

Jackie also saw Janet (the deceased best friend of Jeff's mother) standing behind Jeff. It appeared as if she was reading the notes he took. Jeff explained that Janet was in charge of typing the weekly program for her church when she was alive, so observing the notes we took at our sessions might be of interest to her.

Spirit 5 (via Gloria & Jackie): Gloria saw a male spirit standing between Jackie and Nelson.  It was the departed husband of the director from another spiritist center. Jackie said, "He has been on my mind." This spirit wanted to visit our table because when he traveled to the other center, nobody saw him to bring him through - and he feels forgotten. "It's not like when you were there," he told Jackie, "I feel lost." The spirit passed into Jackie to speak:

Spirit: The whole family is a mess.

Gloria: You need to look after yourself now.

Nelson: Don't worry about them.  The worrying over them is keeping you here on earth.

Spirit (sad and lost): Mom wants to leave, so she can be with dad, and that is not happening soon.  I go to that other place and I sit there. They ignore me. My own wife. She's not doing what she promised she would do. Gloria: She has her own free will to make decisions.

Spirit: I don't know what else to do.

Nelson: Leave it alone and take care of yourself - go get well. Once you are well, you can help your family.  You cannot continue to go to that center if they won't acknowledge you or let you in.

Gloria: You were not alone when you came here, you have those friends to help you 

Astrid: We are also your friends, and now is the time for you to go and learn more - keep on learning - and you will be able to return and help your family.

Spirit: I'm just tired.  (long pause)   There's dad, he's coming to get me. He says that I need to stop this foolishness because we've got places to go.  I know I'm dead.

Astrid: You are always welcome at our table.

Spirit: I've seen the monks protecting this place.  Is this the new place?

The spirit left with his father and the guides, and Nelson believed that he was led to our table because of something related to his son (who was still alive). Nelson was shown a large tornado, with a dark black interior picking up a lot of negative energy, and this spirit had hoped that he could stop his son from being involved. Nelson does not believe that this will happen, as he saw the son eventually landing in jail due to the choices he has made - or will make.

Spirit 6 (via Nelson):  A spirit was standing behind Nelson to speak about Gloria's son (possibly Nelson's spirit guide). Nelson advised her, "Give him hope, but he is the only one who can make that decision." Gloria explained that her son was tired. He was thinking about leaving his family behind and possibly moving away. Nelson understood that the medical issues with his Mother-in-Law were getting much worse - and if they could not be removed, they would continue. Astrid believed that there was nothing supportive for the son to hold on to anymore, and Nelson agreed. The spirit told the son not to get involved with his Mother-in-Law:

Astrid: She is the boss.

Spirit: He should not take a day off, do not go to the hospital to see her, DO NOT even take her to the hospital.

Astrid: There is the spirit of a man around her.

Gloria: It's her husband's spirit.  He is there with her.

Spirit: And he is not prepared to deal with that situation.

Astrid: But he cannot leave even if he wants to...

Spirit: There are mountains all around, and his family is in a deep hole - where water would go in to flood everything. But it is not water that this family is drowning in, and yet everyone is being buried.

Gloria: The Mother-in-Law belongs there?

Spirit: He cannot bring her out - they are all contaminated. Not even the good spirits will come close.

Jackie: It's not up to them (the good spirits) to fix it.

Spirit: They are lifting up a veil - like at a wedding. The son never saw the issues before because he never lifted up the veil to see things more clearly...Spiritually speaking, that place is a cemetery.

The group continued to discuss the issue, believing that what looks negative and bad to us is often what fuels and strengthens the energy of the those who are spiritually dirty. Gloria and Astrid had previously experienced headaches in that environment, and Nelson was shown several spirits wearing many masks - one mask on top of another - and all of the masks needed to be removed.

Spirit 7 (via Jackie):  Jackie envisioned a massive, black Egyptian guard standing behind Santiago. He was displaying a box filled with leftover remnants from the last session. Everything had been collected into this box - and the guard wanted to show this cleaning to Santiago and the group.

Jackie closed with a prayer.

It's So Simple

Florida - October 3, 2012

In attendance: Astrid, Gloria, Jackie Jeff, Nelson and Santiago

Spirit #1 (via Jackie):  Jackie started the session by asking Gloria if she had recently seen the spirit of her deceased neighbor anywhere near her condo complex. Gloria stated that she had not seen him lately.  Jackie had a vision of him in his apartment with another spirit staring down at his dead body. The neighbor's spirit was glancing down towards Gloria's apartment, as if he needed confirmation from her that the body he was being shown was actually his body.

Spirit #2 (via Astrid): A spirit sat through Astrid, and she spoke in Spanish. Our group has come to realize that this departed great aunt of Astrid's was a spiritual director for our table. She is the one who encouraged Astrid to hold the sessions at her house, and she often visited our table to bless a session whenever there was difficult, delicate or sensitive work to be done. She always arrived as a bold, confident presence.  She had messages this time for both Santiago and Jeff. She told Santiago that he was often impressionable (Nelson nodded his head in agreement) and easily influenced by other spirits. The spirit wanted to see Astrid and Santiago strengthen their commitment to one another. They have made much progress, but there still needed to be more. This spirit of the table encouraged them to continue to move together towards each other - and not apart.

The spiritual message for Jeff was to offer advice on how to proceed with the ongoing tension and issues regarding his mother. The spirit cautioned Jeff that this was a delicate balance. Jeff was fighting the battle, but there was still much more work to be done and more trials for Jeff to endure before the end results would ever be realized.  Although this spirit would initially present herself to the group as an authority figure, after she gave blessings and her specific messages to the table, she always faded away in a loving way before the work began. The group discussed this spirit and how she seemed to refresh us and prepare us for the sessions and the spirits that she would usher into the room. Nelson said that this task is her spiritual assignment. If we are on the ground looking up at a ladder, her spirit would be a step or two above us - but just like us, she still has many more rungs of the ladder left to climb.

Note: From Kardec's The Book of Spirits'

Spirits pertain to various orders, according to the degree of perfection they have attained, in three major categories (with fluid limits and an unknown number of subcategories):

- Pure Spirits, who have attained maximum perfection

- Good Spirits, whose desire towards goodness predominates

- Imperfect Spirits, who are characterized by ignorance and evil impulses.

The relationship of Spirits with man is constant and has always existed. The Good Spirits do their best to lead us towards goodness and uphold us during our trials, helping us to support them with courage and resignation. By contrast, the Imperfect Spirits try to incite us toward evil. (Read more: The Spirits' Book by Allan Kardec (PDF file)

Everyone has their own spirit-protector (spirit guide or guardian angel), who is entrusted with keeping watch over us as a mission or trial for them.  We all have more than one spirit guide.  The spirit guide for a particular table, or the guardian guides of a temple are not the same as these individual spirit guides.  They are more like gatekeepers for the spirits to enter (or not enter) a session.  Similar to our incarnation on the earth, this mission for them can be a way of advancing and purifying themselves. 

Nelson asked Astrid how her mother was doing. He saw her in the process of dying, and Astrid explained that at 103 years old, the gradual process of passing has been happening slowly to her for quite a while now. Nelson understood that her time would not be much longer.  The spirit world indicated to Nelson that they were not pleased with him sharing this information. Nelson asked Astrid how the relationship with her mother was progressing, and Astrid explained that she has always had an instinct to move away when she doesn't feel wanted, and her mom was the same way. Nelson recommended that Astrid should forgive her mother for the injustices of the past and he stressed that this message should be communicated out loud to her hospitalized mother as soon as possible.  Nelson knew that Astrid would feel many emotions once she verbalized her feelings. He told her that some crying might occur, and Gloria heard the spirit world say that tears were expected and that they were okay in this situation.

Spirit #3 (via Nelson): The group discussed a possibility that Astrid's mother may not be her biological mother. Astrid described herself as "my father's daughter", and wondered how anyone could say that the mother she has always known was not her real mother. The conversation changed to Spanish.  As if it were a movie or TV show, Nelson was shown Astrid's father bringing home Astrid as a tiny baby to her mother. "We have to raise this baby, you have to do this for me", Nelson heard the father say. The father promised to do whatever the mother wanted as long as she raised this baby. He kept saying that the two of them "have a pact". Astrid explained some of the confusing past incidents she has experienced with her mother and she often wondered how someone who professed love could treat a child in a manner that occasionally did not seem to be very loving. Gloria suggested that Astrid ask her mother if this "pact" in the past was true or not. Like Nelson, Gloria saw Astrid's mom passing peacefully at some point, once this conversation occurred. Nelson believed that Astrid's hospitalized mother was not her biological mother, as he was shown a different spirit who appeared to be Astrid's biological mother. Jackie also saw this spirit, and the mediums suspected that when Astrid was born, her biological mother died. The spirit guide of Astrid's biological mother explained that everything must happen in a specific sequence, and once it does, this spirit would return to sit at the table. Astrid said that she will speak to her mother this Friday, if it was the next step that needed to occur. Nelson spoke softly in Spanish to Astrid regarding her hospitalized mother for a few minutes.

Spirit #4 (via Nelson): The vision for Nelson changed, and he was shown a crowd of black people situated all around the room. There were different groups by each person seated at our table, and they were very dark and very difficult to understand - as they are speaking with different dialects and accents from all over the world. They were observing our session. They were drawn to our table by the idea that we were all suffering (Astrid and Jeff with their mothers, Santiago with his past, etc.). One of them sat through Nelson;

Spirit:  None of you know anything about suffering.  (looking at Jeff)  The itch you are suffering from is nothing compared to us being burned.

Spirit (speaking in Spanish):  We do not want to talk like you white people.  Each person at this table has done "cosas malas" (bad things) in past lives.  You need to learn from your past by living better lives in this existence. (looking at Jeff again and switching back to English)  He is very white, and he was not good to us.

The spirit began to giggle with laughter as he explained that there were spirits surrounding Jeff in this existence, filling him with sweat from their heat as they try to make him feel what he once did to them. Many of them were scalded and burned. Jackie and Nelson described these spirits as slaves who were once "branded" like cattle so that the owners could identify them as property. The spirit knew he was speaking through Nelson, but he did not mind - as he saw Nelson as, "black like us".  The spirit abruptly said goodbye and departed without warning.  He left Nelson extremely overheated and hot. Although our group could not notice any visible signs of perspiration, Nelson felt as if he was on fire. After drinking ice water and cooling his wrists, the session continued. There appeared to be no spiritual progression or removal of the black observers.

Spirit #5 (via Nelson): Nelson asked Jackie about her friend and former roommate. Jackie said his separation from his wife was  extremely difficult. "He doesn't talk to me, and I don't bring it up", she stated. Nelson said it should remain that way, and he was not certain what additional message (if any) was intended for Jackie. He thought that the group of black spirits may have had something to do with the former roommate (as he was also black and suffering), and Jackie explained that her friend was finding it very difficult to reintegrate back into his old life with his past family and friends here.

Spirit #6 (via Nelson): Jackie saw a spirit looking over Santiago's shoulder with approval. His shoulder was healing nicely, and Nelson agreed that Santiago looks great - refreshed and content. Jackie said that this spirit was present to advise Santiago, "Not to do things that you are not supposed to do," (in regards to straining his shoulder).

Spirit #7 (via Astrid & Nelson): Nelson and Astrid saw several people standing behind Gloria. They were all in about the same age range (in their 40's) and they were acting in an aggressive towards Gloria. Nelson determined that this group was very angry with Marian because she was attempting to work on a issue for her daughter. Astrid said these spirits were very upset as there were, "too many people interfering."  Nelson understood that the spirits wanted us "to let things cool off before anyone interfered again," and he compared the issue to a stove. If Gloria continued to intercede, she will the one to touch the stove and get burned, not her daughter. Astrid saw a woman standing behind Gloria.  She wanted to grab her by the neck and cause harm, and Jackie said that this female spirit had a very nasty mouth. She was saying spiteful things to Gloria. Astrid says the spirit saw Gloria "as a big spoon that thinks she use to can stir the pot."

Gloria explained the situation. In the middle of the previous night, her daughter saw a red light approaching, and she physically felt as if she was having some sort of attack. She knew the cause was spiritual, so when her husband offered to take her to the emergency room, she declined. Astrid confirmed she was correct, "the incident was not physical, it was spiritual."  Nelson described the incident as an attempt to make the daughter appear insane. If she had gone to the emergency room without any physical illness, she would have been diagnosed and medicated as "crazy". Nelson added that if the daughter refused to accept the spiritual responsibly she agreed take on to before her current existence, the spirits will eventually destroy her ability to reason.  In our current society, she would look as if she was crazy, which is what these spirits wanted. Nelson also knew that the daughter constantly tried to keep busy-busy-busy, so busy that she had no time to think about spiritual matters, and Gloria nodded in agreement. Gloria said softly, "She has got to accept her responsibility."  Astrid added, "She tries not believe in anything - and yet she knows that she does."  Nelson said that she might not think that she was equipped to handle spirits, but she was always surrounded by dead soldiers who are walking along with her anytime she provides functions or acts in shows at places frequented by veterans.

Nelson understood that Gloria had the love of a mother who wanted to help her daughter and it was difficult for her to stop - but she cannot continue to hold her daughter's hand anymore. Gloria understood, saying that she could not remove the spirits who were "always by her," and Nelson explained that even if our group could remove them, it will not matter - because there was a very, very long line of additional spirits behind them, waiting to move into their place. Nelson encouraged Gloria to tell her daughter that if she wanted to stay busy, she should pick up a book on spiritualism to read, as a sign that she was trying to understand the spirits who surrounded her. Nelson said, "She must stop her nonsense of nothing."  

Gloria said that she often wondered why she was in her daughter's house, asking herself, "What am I doing here?"  Nelson explained the feeling came from her daughter wanting to be alone, but she knew that she should not be - as that might be when these spirits try to "take her". Having her mother around was a form of protection. Nelson heard the daughter telling her husband, "to take a trip or vacation," enabling her to have some time alone to unwind.  Nelson advised that this was not a wise idea. "He's a buffer", Jackie said, as she envisioned a new spirit moving forward. This spirit looked fatherly, but he was very stern. "She made a promise and now we are calling to collect", the spirit said. Nelson was shown Gloria's daughter nude and incoherent, running down the street to her mother's condo.

(Note: Nelson was uncharacteristically quiet, and he later explained that he and his spirit guide went to the daughter's house to bring the spirit to our table)

Spirit #8 (via Nelson): "Pregunta" (Question), Nelson said in Spanish, as he was taken over by a spirit who was visibly angry and determined to cause harm. Astrid tried to calm this presence down in Spanish:

Spirit (agitated): She made promises that we are waiting for her to fulfill.  Wait-wait-wait, she tell us. She knows better. This not the first time that she has promised to give us a hand and she has not.  I go under her bed and try to move it, to disturb her sleep.  I have to return to her house and finish this task.

Astrid: No, you cannot.

Spirit: Ahh...look at this.  I am being approached - and so is she! - and they are offering some kind of soup.

The soup was symbol for hope between the two of them. Gloria was shown that the man offering the soup was one of 14 spiritual generals.  Nelson was still with the spirit, and he envisioned cockroaches crawling on the table. Gloria explained that her daughter once saw a dried leaf and thought it was a cockroach, and the group agreed that this might be another tactic from the spirit world to make the daughter appear insane to others. 

As the angry spirit began to fade away, Nelson's spirit guide spoke from a position behind Nelson: "Your daughter cannot hide from this. The spirit world has given her an opportunity before, and now it is time for her to do the work that she agreed to do." Nelson said that her mission  involved working with the departed souls of military men. She already attracted these spirits with the work she enjoyed, and the spirits of these military men often return home with her. "Her dad was in the military?" Nelson asked.  "Yes, for 35 years," Gloria replied. Nelson stated that the spirit of the father will be the ultimate beneficiary of his daughter's involvement with these military spirits. Nelson was shown all sorts of departed soldiers around her - Asians, Vikings, Romans - and he stressed that she should not be afraid. He described it as driving a car filled with soldiers, and the final destination would be her father's spirit.

Spirit #9 (via Nelson): Nelson heard a spirit say: "Wars are forever, and some are still fighting battles (on the spirit) side that ended years ago. If you people only knew how much help we need."  These soldiers were looking for their wives, and for the body parts they had lost in battle.  The spirits seemed to exist in a dream state of uncertainty and gloom. 

Nelson was shown the spirit of a dignified, formal general, fully formed, and without any body parts missing.  This general showed Nelson some of his "comrades". They were all missing something - an arm, a leg - and one soldier had a large hole in his left side. As Nelson watched, the hole was filled in.  The general said this spirit was able to realize that his pain was mental - and it was now gone.  He had become "whole" like the general. The general continued to show Nelson scenes of pain and he contrasted them with scenic vistas of beauty. He said that his men were "looking for beautiful places like this to go."  The other soldier spirits were now curious, having learned from watching the interaction with the previous damaged spirit. "The other places ask for payment," the general continued, "and like us, you ask for nothing". Gloria told him, "We feel your love" and the general gently faded away, still very stiff and formal, as he promised, "We will see you soon."

Spirit #10 (via Jackie): Gloria wanted to reaffirm that the work we do at our table should stay at our table. If there is a specific message for someone (like her daughter at this session), it is fine to share that communication, but those who are not involved should not be entertained. Jeff wondered if the written communication needed to be modified or expanded. Jackie heard a spirit say that this was not the first time Jeff had this particular responsibility. Jackie was shown an image of Jeff in a castle, surrounded by books. He was some sort of apprentice or researcher for a teacher - almost like a scribe or secretary.

Jackie was also shown Gloria's mother, and she was trying to influence or help Gloria's daughter.  Nelson saw her as very "nice-nice-nice" spirit who appeared as a bright white light. She cautioned the table not to make little things too big and then she was gone.

Jackie also saw the spirit of a man standing near Nelson, possibly a relative that has been gone for quite a while. This spirit was watching Nelson running around when he was six or seven years old. He said that Nelson ran all over the place in a random way, and this spirit wondered what he was doing. The longer the spirit watched him, the more the spirit realized that there was a pattern to Nelson's wandering. The spirit said Nelson always made him laugh, as he was "amusing and baffling". Jeff wondered if the spirit wasn't still watching Nelson, as he wandered from Florida to Chicago to Puerto Rico to Argentina and back, and Marian added that Nelson was "Still in search of something..."

Jackie also saw the recently departed best friend of Jeff's mother rubbing balm on his arms in an attempt to soothe the itching from the rash he recently experienced. She did not seem to be interested in staying near her former best friend (Jeff's mother), but she wanted Jeff to know, "I'll be around."

Jackie closed the session with a prayer.