Chicago - October 19, 2014

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

 

Prior to opening the session, an extra chair at the table was removed.  There was a general sense that an uninvited spirit wanted to occupy that seat.  Nelson had a conversation before the session with Marisol about her husband and the classes he was taking to become an attorney.  After the opening prayer, Nelson asked Marisol if there was a male figure in her husband's family who was hoping for failure in regards to the classes, or just wishing ill will towards Marisol's family.  After some discussion, it was determined that this figure was an uncle on Marisol's side of the family.  She described him as "wanting what he wants, and how he wants it."  Marisol believed that he thought she was abandoning him.  Nelson saw him seated in a corner of his apartment, dressed entirely in black.  His hands were on his lap, with an open palm on one leg and a clenched fist on the other.  He was using the open hand to rhythmically hit his leg, saying, "She is going to do what I want, she is going to do what I want," over and over.  There were deformed spirits around him, and Marisol's uncle believed that these spirits gave him power and that they would answer his requests.  Nelson's spirit guide wanted to take Nelson to the apartment to remove these spirits. 

 

Spirit 1 (via Nelson):  A spirit arrived, and he was unable to control his laughter. He laughed loudly without stopping, like a deranged villain in a cartoon.  Speaking in Spanish, the spirit was wheezing with laughter as he said, "Me rio, me rio," (I laugh, I laugh) several times.  After listening to the requests of this spirit in Spanish, Marisol told him that she could not do what he wanted.  The conversation reverted back to English:

 

Spirit: Why do you want me to be here?

Marisol: You are not doing the right things - because you are in a world that you should not be in.

Spirit (rocking back and forth in his seat): It's when we want, how we want it, and where we want.  And now this guy (the spirit guide with him) tells me the game is over and it's time to go?

Marisol: Yes, that is correct. 

Spirit: Protect yourself.  You better protect yourself...

Marisol: God will protect me and God will protect you.

Spirit: We are a large group.  We are 19 little devils.  (The spirit gestured as if he were jabbing an imaginary pitchfork at the table)

Denise: Aren't you tired of doing so much harm?

Spirit:  No, no, no.  No!  (He continued to jab his pitchfork)  We are not happy.  We don't know anything about happiness.

Denise: It's time for the light...

Spirit: All we know is darkness.  (The spirit threw down his pitchfork)  I'm leaving this here.

Denise: That's good, thank you.

Spirit (referring to the spirit guide with him): He looks like a good man.  I think I will go with him.  They are giving us water to drink.  That's the taste we needed.

 

As the spirit prepared to leave, he warned Marisol again to protect herself.  After the departure of the spirit, Nelson felt a tremendous pain in his head, as if it might explode.  Nelson realized that this tension came from Marisol's uncle, who was bitter and angry.  The house he was living in was going to be sold, but Nelson knew that this transaction would never happen until the space was cleansed.  Nelson offered to help Marisol with the cleansing.

 

Nelson's cousin in Puerto Rico had contacted him earlier about wanting to open a spiritual center in Puerto Rico.  She asked if our group could mention her request at the table.  (Note: for many years, Nelson's uncle Luis, the father of Normita, was the director of a spiritual center that met in his home.  Normita was now living in this house, and the spiritual center would be meeting there again, as the three daughters of Luis hoped to continue his legacy.)

 

Spirit 2 (via Marisol):  A spirit had arrived, and he appeared to be connected to Nelson's family.  After a while, Nelson realized it was the spirit of his Uncle Luis.  This spirit had been asleep on the spiritual side for over five years after his transition.  Nelson had often wondered why the transition for Luis was lengthy and difficult.  Marisol felt that Nelson's uncle was not ready to accept his passing when it occurred.  Marisol experienced a very strong pressure on her chest, and it was very difficult for her to breathe.  As she tried to catch her breath, Marisol understood that the uncle was, "So not ready to go."  Whenever the spirits woke him up, Luis was too distraught and distracted to listen, so they would put him back to sleep. 

 

He was ready to listen now, as he passed into Marisol and spoke in Spanish:  "Necesito, necesito (I need, I need) to know what happened."  The spirit did not know where he was, and he did not understand that he had died.  He was sobbing uncontrollably, and Nelson stood up to stand closer to him.  Nelson advised his uncle to look around.  The spirits of Don Polo (a longtime mentor) and Luis' mother (Nelson's grandmother) were with him, offering their help.  Luis was still upset.  He said that his work in the material world was not finished, and he was confused over having to leave it and his family behind.  Nelson told him that his work on earth was not in vain, and he encouraged Luis to look towards the light.  Luis was astounded to see that he no longer had a body.  He looked around, wondering where it had gone.  He then asked, "Where am I?" and Nelson explained that he was safe, in Nelson's house in Chicago.   The uncle relaxed.  He could breathe again, but he was still confused: "No body?  But I'm awake?"  Nelson explained that Don Polo and his mother would show him where to go and what to do next.  Luis had another concern, and he began to sob again, as he asked about his wife (using a nickname of "Negra").  Nelson promised that he would eventually see his wife, but not right now.  Luis slowly began to trust his guides.  Before departing with them, he wanted Nelson to know that he was happy with Nelson's choice of a spiritual path.  Luis had realized he was lost, and he now understood that he would be shown where to go.  As he left he exclaimed several times, "Que lindo, que lindo..." (How beautiful, how beautiful).

 

Nelson sensed a spirit for Mia.  He envisioned a previous life where Mia was a gypsy, and Marisol agreed.  Mia wore a metallic gold veil over her nose and mouth, with noisy gold coins hanging from the back clasp.  She loved the noise.  Nelson said that Mia disliked men in her current reincarnation because of the abuse she suffered from them in this past life.  She needed the money, so she slept with men, but she always felt dirty.  "Don't touch me," Nelson heard her saying, "it makes me sick."  Nelson understood that Mia killed two men in her previous life, stabbing them both, and cutting off the penis of one man.  These actions empowered her. 

 

Spirit 3 (via Nelson):  Mia had a daughter in this past life.  She tried to protect her daughter from the lifestyle she led.  The spirit of the daughter was very sad.  She hoped to be with Mia in her current reincarnation and she had realized that this would not be possible now.  The daughter had been waiting and waiting, and now it was too late for her to be born as a baby for Mia.  The daughter still hoped to help Mia with her current life.  She wanted to remove some of the anger, so that Mia could be happier.  "Be okay with it," she advised, "I never had a mom better than her - she gave me everything."  The spirit of the daughter was very emotional, and she was wearing the metallic veil that Mia had left her in the previous life.  Referring to Mia in this life, the spirit said, "She still likes to wear things that make noises."  The daughter explained that she was often the one manipulating the jewelry to make the unexplained noises, just to please Mia. Nelson understood that the noise of the jewelry in Mia's former life was used as a signal for the daughter to hide.   Mia had created a comfortable, concealed "bunker" outside of the wagon where they both lived for her daughter to hide in.  It was an extended space with flowerpots in front of the entrance, so that it could not be distinguished from the outside.  The daughter had been silently waiting in her hidden space until today:

 

Spirit (crying): No more.  Mama...mama? I found you, I can talk to you?  I don't have to be quiet?

Mia: Yes, it's OK now.

Spirit: Mom, mama.  I have been looking for so long.  They told me I could talk to you today.  (gesturing at the metallic veil)  Look, I still have it.  (moving her arm to make noises with a bracelet)  Do you hear?  You look different, but not much.  Your hair is the same, and the same color.  Oh mama...

Marisol: Listen to the kind spirits around you now.  They are there to help.

Spirit (to Mia): I wanted to thank you for protecting me.  (rocking back and forth in her seat)  I don't trust men, they are evil.  They don't love us, they use us.  But it's time for me to tell you, like you once told me.  Let go, mama.  I don't want you to be a prisoner of yourself, like I was for so long.  I want us to be happy again.  There are others with me.  Two men and one lady.  I am going to go with them now.  I am taking the noise with me.  I love you mama.  Until the next time...

 

Denise sensed the name "Esmeralda" (possibly for the daughter or for Mia in her prior life), and Nelson understood that the setting for this previous existence was in a Hungarian forest.  Mia had led a double life, using her gold chain veil to disguise herself whenever she was with her daughter.  The two men that Mia had killed were crimes she committed in self-defense.  In the first circumstance, Mia had finished what she was paid to do, but one of the men wanted more.  Mia stabbed him.  The other man was also a client, and he was the father of the daughter who sat at our table.  He wanted a younger version of Mia, and he was about to discover the hiding spot containing his daughter.  Mia stabbed him when she realized that he was prepared to abuse his own daughter.  Mia severed his penis, and she kept it in a glass jar.  Nelson's spirit guide appeared to tell the table not to be embarrassed.  The father of this daughter needed to know what he had done before the spirits could remove him.  He was in very bad shape, but he might return another time to sit at our table. 

 

Spirit 4 (via Marisol):  There was a message for Nelson's family in Puerto Rico regarding the new spiritual center:  "They know what they have to do in their hearts.  What are they so afraid of?  For guidance, look inside yourselves.  Don't be afraid.  Get the messages for yourself first, and let it gel.  Then the messages for others will come.  Be confident in yourselves and in God."

 

Mia explained that earlier in the session, she felt numb, as if she was in a trance.  Marisol thought it might be the start of her mediumship abilities, and Nelson told her that what she experienced was not uncommon.  Nelson also told Mia that the "process is often longer than we want, so don't get discouraged."   Denise told the group that she had read the "Law of Love" in the gospel before the session, and she noted the connection between what she had read earlier and the spirits who had visited our table. 

 

Spirits 5 & 6 (via Nelson): Nelson asked Marisol about a medium in Puerto Rico (a cousin of Marisol's).  He sensed that this person, "had her mind on the wrong things, even though her heart was on the right things."  The conversation was mostly in Spanish, with Nelson describing the cousin as "disconnected."  Her mediumship was suffering, as she was "only doing the work she felt comfortable with."  Nelson advised Marisol to speak with her, as she needed to "wake up" after metaphorically being asleep for so long.  The table discussed the concept of "waking up before it was too late," understanding that this caution was offered as an attempt to help the cousin, not as a threat.  She was holding back the progress of many things, and the gates needed to be opened.  The spirit world wanted Marisol to know that the conversation with her cousin would be difficult: "She won't like the message, but we need to use the messenger we have."

 

The spirit of a professor (not Nelson's spirit guide and not Don Polo) was present, and he wanted to say a few words.  "How beautiful it is when we take ourselves from the material world into the spiritual realm," he told the group.  "This is not to make anyone seem that they are better, it's only the truth.  Always question, always observe.  Not everything that shines is gold.  Only the love of God is pure, it shines.  If you follow humans, you may find yourself in misery for eons."

 

As the professor departed, Nelson's spirit guide arrived.  Referring to Nelson he said, "He questioned me, and I told him I have to sit."  He wanted Marisol to know that things were going to be fine within her family, as the spirits were moving and repositioning obstacles, in an effort to accomplish what needed to be done.  Marisol was advised to tell her husband to learn to have, "an ounce of faith.  He will be able to obtain what he wants, he just needs that ounce of faith."

 

Jeff was advised to relieve some of his stress by "stop over-thinking things."  The conclusions are always the same, so stop rethinking.  When things bother him, Jeff should seek a different venue or another group of friends.  Jeff was told that there were "things attached to him that are not good.  Stop it."  In regards to Nelson's nephew (Gabe), Jeff was instructed: "It's nice to help him, but don't overprotect him.  Be careful with your responses.  Sometimes a 100% commitment is more than we think.  The intentions are good, the results are not what we are looking for.  You do not always belong in his (Gabe's) environment.  Offer a hand, nothing more."  There was one more recommendation for Jeff:  "There are some events coming related to your mother.  Just smile, say nothing.  Not one word."

 

Nelson's guide asked if anyone at the table had any questions.  Mia wanted to ask about someone who was sick.  Nelson's spirit guide gestured near his heart.  He recommended that Mia read the prayer for the sick, and if this person was still sick seven days in a row, she should mention him again in our next session.  "Every soul is a spirit or friend," Nelson's guide said, "so tell him to be at peace with himself."  Addressing the table, he added, "Accept the path you have selected in your life."

 

Denise hoped her mother could be less frustrated.  "What is your question about her?", Nelson's guide asked gently, and Denise wondered if her mother's condition would improve.  "She needs to learn to love herself," Caballito (Nelson's guide) said, "and then we will help her from that point."  To illustrate his concept, Nelson's guide asked Marisol about her son:  "How is he?  Is every day here is a day of happiness for both of you?"  Marisol said it was, and the spirit guide explained, "Yes...that's love.  An example of real love.  Take time to look deep inside and see who we really are.  Learn to love who you are.  Take two minutes.  Is that asking too much?  Take two minutes, look into your heart, even if you don't like what you see.  Everything starts and ends with love.  Everything done with love fulfills your life."

 

After his spirit guide faded into the background, Nelson closed with a prayer. 

Chicago - Nov 2, 2014

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

 

(Note: The six individuals above were meeting in Nelson's house,and the notes below are from our first session in our new center)

 

Marisol commented that she smelled sage when we met at Nelson and Jeff's house, but now in our new location, she smelled violets.  Nelson said it was another way for the spirit side to let us know that we were in the right space.  Nelson also felt compelled to ask everyone how they were doing:

 - Sonia asked for prayers in regards to her daughter-in-law, who was hospitalized for observation and medication.  Nelson felt that this individual would not be leaving the hospital anytime soon, and her stay was more likely to be three months or more.

 - Denise stated that she was doing well and making improvements every day

 - Marisol explained that she was not well.  She was constantly fighting to protect herself from negative spirits, and this led to anxiety and sleeplessness.  Nelson also felt as if he was under attack, and while he believed that things would get better, he reminded everyone that there are always spiritual "tests" of faith.  Spiritual forces are at work on both sides, with the good spirits helping centers like ours, and the bad spirits working to close them down.

 - Mia said her new job was going well, but she was worried about her sister in Miami.  The sister was obsessed with her upcoming divorce, allowing it to cloud her judgement.  Nelson saw the situation as very delicate, and he sensed that twenty years ago, there was the loss of a child.  Nelson also understood that the sister wanted to move away to escape the chaos in her life, and he advised against her plans of moving to Puerto Rico.

 -  Jeff's mother was improving after the work we did with the spiritual leprechauns.  Her test results indicated only a hernia and high blood pressure.  A spirit spoke from behind Nelson and told him something about Jeff: "Although he does not like changes, they are coming".

 - Nelson was feeling okay, but he also felt as if he was being spiritually attacked over the past week.  He described it as everyone "going under" (his family, friends and tax clients) in a hole of depression, and Nelson was determined not to go along with them.

 

Spirit 1 (via Nelson):  An malevolent spirit jumped into Nelson and scolded the table in Spanish:

Spirit: Soon all of you will be in a hospital, until none of you are left.  Such a hurry!  I am here for the inauguration.  And to close you down.

Sonia: No, good sir, that is not going to happen.

Spirit: It's all planned, like dominos falling in a row.

Marisol: You need to look for the light and the good spirits around you...

Spirit: They lied!  Suckered us into coming.  We are fools to fall for it.  Telling me this was a celebration.  This guy with me doesn't know anything.  We are a little bit of everybody - a combination of all your homes and lives.

 

The counselors at our table encouraged the spirit to look around and see where he was now, while the spiritual side showed him a different celebration.  "Look at that!," he exclaimed, "Grande! They are giving us water now, but I don't want it.  I don't know this place, or you people.   I know there are twenty of us for each one of you.  (pause)  There are also twenty each from two other people who are not here now, but they will come.  Two females.  One wanted to come today, but she was told no."  Our table encouraged the spirit to take the others with him, while the spiritual side offered him more insight.  "They tell me I need to forget, that I am no longer in this world?," he asked.  Understanding his situation, he added, "I found the dumb one - myself.  My throat hurts."  Marisol explained that his sore throat was because he no longer had a throat. "They are taking us to another place," he said, making his decision to depart.  "Forgive me."

 

Spirits 2 & 3 (via Marisol):  Marisol sensed the arrival of a spirit, and she knew that it would be difficult to pass.  This angry male spirit wanted to know when he could "finish" Marisol.  Nelson stood up near the spirit, which only increased the level of hostility within the spirit, so Sonia also stood.  The conversation continued in Spanish:

Spirit (to Nelson and Sonia): Who are you?  Why have you opened the door for her to work?

Sonia: We are here to help.

Spirit: If you want to help, don't call her anymore.  Don't let her in.  I create obstacles for her and she avoids them.  I can't stand her.

Nelson: Tell me why you dislike her...

Spirit: I am the master.  Her husband.  I made the other one go to Ohio to get him out of the way.  She's so stubborn, fighting with me all the time!

Nelson: Do you see that gentleman who arrived?  Go with him and let her do her work.  You are no longer in this world, and what you want to do is not permitted.

Spirit: I am not well now, I am losing my strength.

Nelson: Let it go...let go...

Sonia: You are tired...

Spirit: I was hurting someone who wanted to do good?

Nelson: Yes. Look at her, what do you see now?

Spirit: A beautiful woman.

Nelson: Go and take the others with you.

Spirit: She was supposed to have other children, but I interfered and caused her more pain.

Nelson: She forgives you.

Spirit: Thank you for giving her this place.  Now I will go.  I ask for forgiveness.  I am going to a hospital, because I am not well.  Me along with five more.

 

Once the spirit left, Marisol's guide sat and spoke in Spanish:  "Thank you for this place!  You do not know how many people are coming.  (claps her hands and tears up with joy) The doors are open!  Thank you!"  Nelson explained that this was a place for this spirit guide to work and that she was always welcome.

 

Spirit 4 (via Nelson):  Nelson hoped that Sonia's son would stop being a hypocrite in regards to his wife being hospitalized.  He told his wife that he wanted her to be well, but with her out of the house, there was a sense of peace for him and he feels free. His biggest worry now is that the children will turn out to be like their mother.  Nelson banged on the table as a spirit arrived and spoke in Spanish.  This spirit sensed fighting inside the house, as there were many spirits causing multiple issues.  The spirit knew that the children were also happier with their mother away.  Sonia was not welcomed by these spirits, as she always brought a calm peace to the household.  In this "house of chaos", the middle child (age 13) was the most affected.  Nelson rapped on the table and asked if any guns were in the home, and Sonia wasn't certain.  If there were firearms, the middle child was being tempted to use them.  Everything is magnified for him now, and he feels responsible.  The middle child also believes that his father does not treat him nice, and Nelson realized that this was because the father and son were enemies in a past life, fighting over the mother.  The father killed the son in the previous life.  What the spirit wanted now was for the son to seek vengeance.  "I was so close to reaching my goals," the spirit sighed.  "Even tambourines cannot cover up the noise in that house.  Do you know what vengeance is?  A reversal.  Suffer and sit in a hole like me."  The spirit was unhappy, and he spoke in a somber voice, rocking back and forth in the chair: "Emotions are so strong.  I was blinded." Marisol and Sonia told the spirit that he did not need to stay in the hole any longer - he could get out if he wanted.  The spirit replied, "It's so hard...I hear you and I understand, but it's so hard.  I hate so deeply.  I'm tired, it has been an eternity.  I want to get out, but the hate binds me.  They are telling me that vengeance only prolongs the hatred?  I don't understand.  Do you know how hard that is?" The spirit began to understand that he could find some happiness if he left.  He would take the other two spirits (as there was one spirit for each of the three children) with him.  He asked for forgiveness, "for the manner in which I arrived," and he hoped to speak again one day.  Nelson described him as a very strong presence, and he knew that he would need to let his spirit guide sit to cleanse him. 

 

Spirit 5 (via Nelson):  "Good afternoon," Nelson's spirit guide said, "It's Caballito.  This is the kind of work we need to do, so don't be afraid.  Those are the real spirits, and you haven't seen anything yet."  He had arrived to give individual messages that were also applicable to the entire table:

 

For Jeff: Be supportive of your mom.  Just because she doesn't understand, it doesn't make her less.  Your job is to help her understand why you are who you are - and then she will be happy. 

 

For Nelson: There is a lot of work to be done.  We are happy for the new place, and I am not the only one here today.  Don Polo is here, and so is his (Nelson's) grandmother.  Tell him that his dad is....

Jeff: Stubborn?

Caballito: Too nice a word.  When you hit your head, see blood and then say it was not bad.  His father's desire for the material is too strong.  I am talking while we are cleansing and cleaning.  Sometimes, he (Nelson) worries in silence.  Tell him he is never alone, I am always there.

 

For Marisol:  Things are going to be - what is the word?  Wonderful. We see an apple and think that is just waiting for us, but we need to see all the steps.  Plant the tree, water and nourish it, and wait.  Continue with your work, and do not let anyone try to modify it.  You have been asking for this, and now it is here - we have the apple. 

 

For Mia: Sometimes a message is better if it is delivered with the correct words.  The right intentions are there, but not the proper words.  No change is needed in some (referring to Marisol), but for you, change and modify your actions to reach the people you want to reach.  You are on the right path, but it's difficult.  Don't try to analyze every word.  You want to get to places faster than "Speedy Gonzalez".  Do you know who that is?  Things need to be in place.  You will get there.

 

Nelson's guide understood that there were other things that needed to be brought to the table, and he said he would retire to the side.  He offered some departing words of encouragement for everyone: "Go on, continue with the work and you will receive the spiritual benefits." 

 

Spirit 6 (via Marisol): Marisol had a message for Sonia in regards to her daughter-in-law.  The physical and spiritual sides both needed extensive work, along with our continued prayers.  An obsessed spirit was with her, and we needed to pray for him because he will be very difficult to remove.  Both sides of the daughter-in-law's issues needed to be resolved (and Marisol believed they would be) before she could feel better.  Marisol also had a message for Mia that was very difficult.  She saw the eventual suicide of Mia's sister, if she could resolve her problems.  Agreeing with what Nelson said earlier, the sister should not even think about moving to Puerto Rico.  She was looking for someone to take care of her, when all she really needed was a break from her stressful routine.  Marisol realized that the sister attracted negative spirits with her thoughts.  She needed to change her way of thinking from her current "dictatorship" style (an absolute authority) to attract some positive energy.  Mia agreed, but said it would be difficult because her sister does not want to listen to anyone.

 

Spirit 7 (via Nelson):  Nelson sensed a large group of spirits wondering when he was coming to Puerto Rico.  One of the spirits sat through Nelson to explain:

Spirit: He's not available?  He cannot do the work?  Then we need to close these groups!  Close them - close!  They think if they wait for him, everything will be organized (laughing) well, we are all waiting for him.

Marisol: Stop putting those thoughts into their heads.  You are only trying to make sure that a new group doesn't open.

Spirit (speaking rapidly): The man who brought me here told me to say the truth, and we tell them not to open and they listen to us. (laughs in a mocking manner) Don't open unless he is here...I am telling you the truth, I am not making things up!

Marisol:  Look where you are now...

Spirit: I am in a place for me to do my work!  (referring to the spirits) Here, look at them.  They are waiting in long lines, long, long lines!  We knock on the door for help, and we are told, 'Wait until he gets here.'  We sit around and look at each other.

Marisol: It's time for you and the others to find your own elevation.

Spirit:  Waiting and waiting.  We are tired!  This man says that we do not have to wait anymore.  So then what are they (referring to the opening of the center in Puerto Rico) waiting for?  (laughing)  Even we don't know.  Maybe they need to reincarnate themselves to believe more? (laughing) Maybe Kardec will come to them and sit?

 

The spirit became calmer after some persuasion, and he realized that he could not go back.  He needed to go with the spirit who brought him to our table.  "There are 1,231 of us," he announced, "madames, slaves, military, generals - from all walks of life.  They told us to wait, but now we can go.  He (Nelson) would have gotten sick if he went (to Puerto Rico)."  As the spirit departed, Marisol wondered "Where was the faith," for those who wanted to open a center in Puerto Rico.

 

Spirit 8 (via Nelson):  Nelson cautioned the group that we sometimes needed to change our thought patterns to better learn what entities were around us, putting things into our heads.  It became apparent that these words came from Don Polo, a frequent spirit guide who offered lessons similar to a professor.  Don Polo spoke from a position standing behind Nelson:  "Be careful with what we say," he said, "and try not to verbalize your thoughts."  He wanted us to learn how to "control the mouth with your mind".  His lesson continued:  "How difficult this is!  99% would be happier if they learned how to close their mouth.  If we say things that we may not mean, once it is out, it is out."  Nelson described Don Polo showing him the image of a head as a visual illustration of what he was saying.  "Look," he stated, "The mouth and the thoughts are not connected, even though we think they are.  How easy it is to offend the ones we love."  Don Polo effortlessly slipped into Nelson to continue his lesson:

 

"You knew all along it was me.  I wanted to welcome the new place.  Thank you for taking the thoughts and making them happen.  When a thought comes for someone you love - and it is not love - just say, that you will tell it later.  This is the teaching of the day, how to use your mouth.  We don't want to take away your thoughts - as that would remove your free will - but I can teach you how to use your mouth.  It's especially important during moments of disharmony in your bodies.  You will find your own path, based on free will and your thoughts, but don't speak without thinking first."

 

Referring to the new center, Don Polo said, "You have opened a beautiful door, and some will try to close it.  That will not happen, as our thoughts will not allow it to happen.  Don't close any doors.  Help those in need, not just the ones you choose to help.  I love the teachings.  A happy human, in spirit or not, is a happy person.  Take care of each other, that's the real work of spiritism.  You are in a safe environment, and in good hands. I will always be with you until the next time." 

 

After the departure of Don Polo, Marisol wanted to thank everyone for the opportunity to work in the new location.  She appreciated Sonia's work to open the new space, and Nelson's invitation.  Marisol said that she was unable to accept Nelson's previous invitations, as she needed to support and work with her uncle at his center.  Now she was able to fully embrace her new job.  Nelson wanted her to know that the others (from the center of Marisol's uncle) would also be welcome at our table.  Nelson closed with a prayer.

Twenty Questions About Mediums

Source: The Spiritist Group of New York.

1- What is a medium?

A medium is anyone who possess the ability to perceive the spirit world in any way. Spiritism teaches that 'we are all mediums' in different aspects.  In spiritist sessions, the 'medium' is the person whose awareness of the spirit world has reached a level in which the person is conscious of the phenomena enough so that direct, controlled spirit communication is at least a possibility. In all mediumship communication, the medium is just the messenger and not the author.

2- How does this awareness occur?

The spirit world is a series of dimensions that exist in different vibrations from our own material world. A medium is like a radio that can be in tuned to different radio frequencies (dimensions) under particular circumstances. We cannot 'see' the various radio stations, but the radio can bring them to us. This particular type of awareness is similar to our other senses.

3- Why are some more in tune to the spirit world than others?

Mediumship development is a natural part of a spirit's evolution, occurring slowly during the long process of incarnation, death and reincarnation. Why are some people able to sing better than others?  When an individual's mediumship development has reached a certain level, the ability will show itself.

4- So being an active medium means I am more evolved than those who are not?

Being an active medium means that in your long development process, you have finally reached a certain point. A person's mediumship development does not reflect their evolution in any other aspect of their being. Anyone, from the most ethical to the most unethical individual, may develop mediumship ability. Mediumship is like any other skill.  Just as a person may have a talent for sports, music or carpentry, it does not imply a high or low level amount of ethical or spiritual growth.

5- If mediumship has nothing to do with a person's spirit or ethical evolution, then why is the ability part of our overall evolution?

We all are in the process of developing mediumship abilities because it is a vital tool for learning and the expiation of past errors. Developing a greater awareness of God and of the rest of the universe is a perfectly reasonable and necessary step in the evolution of any intelligent being.

6- So mediumship is a tool for learning?

Any tool or experience that is a part of our lives is a critical part of the learning process. Mediumship is a tool that we can use freely, and how we use this ability will be a direct reflection of our ethical growth, and of the vital lessons we still need to learn. Just like any student in school, learning happens from understanding both our successes and failures.

7- What would be the wrong way to use our mediumship skill?

The correct way of using mediumship is based on the same reasonable standard as in making any other ethical choice. We misuse mediumship when it is used to exploit others, to cause harm, for self indulgence, exploitation, abuse, manipulation and as a tool for violence. We use the tool correctly when it's used to help others, to bring enlightenment, and we give it selflessly without any personal gain.

8- Mediumship cannot be used for any personal gain?

Your mediumship may be used in whatever way you wish; we all have freedom of choice.  The mediumship ability does the most good when profit, greed and self-service do not interfere with the process of helping others.  Think about how destructive a profit motive can be for a charitable or religious organization, or for a government.  It is important to understand that every action has a consequence and that using mediumship for exploitation and/or personal gain will have equally negative consequences.

9- So mediumship is a burden?

Mediumship is not easy; it is a life long commitment that will complicate our lives in every single way imaginable. Using this ability to unselfishly help others is an ethical act. Every time a medium helps someone unselfishly that medium is wiping away many past errors, confirming that the ethical lessons have been learned and taking immense leaps in their spiritual evolution.

Like any any other difficult path in our lives, being a medium may have low moments, but it also has great moments of joy, which quickly make the past difficulties worthwhile. For a medium that chooses to use their gift unselfishly, the rewards are many. Helping others, and being a messenger through which enlightened spirits communicate brings a level of happiness and personal satisfaction that is beyond words.

10- So the way we use our mediumship determines the kind of spirits that will use us to communicate?

Of course! In life, the way we conduct ourselves and treat others will directly determine the kind of people that are attracted to us - and the kind of people who are repulsed. A medium who tries to live an ethical life - in spite of the many earthly temptations - will attract helpful and wise spirits who will assist and provide guidance in this chosen path. Just as mediums who use their gift to fulfill their material, selfish impulses will attract selfish, deceitful, impulsive spirits who will use the medium to do harm and do harm to the medium in the process.

This does not mean that all the spirits attracted to this medium are perfect (very evolved). The spirit world, like the material world, is filled with individuals who are in different levels of evolution. For a medium, these would be the typical steps:

 - Choose a positive path for their skills

 - Expect to be tested and show that you are willing to make mediumship a life long journey

 - Anticipate that another kind of spirit will join the 'good spirits' already attracted to the medium. They are called spirit teachers; and these spirits have reached a high level of ethical evolution and will come only when they see that the medium is both willing and able to carry out important tasks.

11- When a medium has allowed a spirit to communicate, is the medium responsible for what happens next?

Yes. At all times the medium is responsible for his/her actions.  The spirit is certainly responsible for what he/she says or does through a medium, but the medium always bares equal responsibility for what happens. This is why mediums question the spirits before allowing them to sit.

12- How can a medium tell the difference between a helpful and hurtful spirit when the time comes for a spirit to communicate?

Mediums will learn to recognize what kind of spirit that is trying to communicate by the 'feeling' they receive from the spirit, the way the spirit communicates, the type of message the spirit wants to communicate, and the willingness of the spirit to respect the medium and his or her free will.

One medium may communicate messages from several different types of spirits, as explained by Kardec in "The Mediums' Book", Chapter X, 'The Nature of Spirit Communications'.

"If we bear in mind the infinite variety that exists among Spirits, under the double aspect of intelligence and of morality, we perceive that a corresponding diversity must exist in their communications, which necessarily reflect the elevation or the backwardness of the Spirits by whom they are made; and that the quality of their ideas, their degree of knowledge or of ignorance, their virtues and their vices, will be evidenced by the communications which emanate from them, and which no more resemble each other than do, among men, those of the savage and the most enlightened European. But all the shades presented by Spirit-communications may be grouped into four principal categories; according to their most salient characteristics, they may be designated as coarse, frivolous, serious, and instructive.

Coarse communications are those which shock propriety. They can only proceed from Spirits at a very low stage of development, still soiled with the impurities of materiality. They are in no way different from the utterances of coarse and vicious men, and are revolting to every one who has the least delicacy of sentiment; being trivial, obscene, insolent, arrogant, malevolent, or even impious, according to the character of the Spirits who make them.

Frivolous communications emanate from Spirits who are frivolous, mischievous, and keen to trickery, rather than wicked, and who attach no importance to what they say. As there is nothing unseemly in their communications, they amuse persons who take pleasure in futile talk. Such Spirits, however, sometimes come down upon their interlocutors with clever, biting sallies, throwing off, in the midst of commonplace jokes, hard truths which often hit the mark. These frivolous Spirits are around us in swarms, and take every opportunity of mixing themselves up with the communications of other Spirits. Having no respect for veracity, they take a mischievous pleasure in hoaxing those who have the weakness or presumption to believe in them. Those who amuse themselves with such communications naturally give access to foolish and deceptive Spirits; while, at the same time, they repel serious ones, who, like serious men, avoid the society of the unreasoning and the giddy.

Serious communications are distinguished by the gravity of the subjects of which they treat, and by the seriousness of their tone. Every communication exempt from coarseness and frivolity, and having in view a useful object, even though it be of merely private interest, may be classed as 'serious', but nevertheless, it may not be exempt from error. Serious Spirits are not all equally enlightened; there are many things of which they are ignorant, and concerning which they may be mistaken. For this reason, Spirits who are really superior constantly advise us to submit all communications to the test of examination and reason.

It is therefore imperatively necessary to distinguish between communications that are seriously true and communications that are seriously false. This is not always easy, for it is often under the guise of seriousness that presumptuous and superficial Spirits seek to foist upon us their erroneous ideas and absurd theories, unscrupulously assuming the most honored and even the most venerated names, in order the more effectually to impose upon us, a method of deception which constitutes one of the most dangerous stumbling blocks of practical Spiritism...

Instructive communications are those which are not only serious, but also convey the teachings of Superior Spirits on points of science, morality, philosophy, etc. They are more or less profound in proportion to the elevation and dematerialization of the communicating Spirit. In order to reap benefit from such communications, they must be followed up with regularity and perseverance. Serious Spirits attach themselves to those who desire instruction, and assist them, but those who see in these manifestations a source of passing amusement are left by them to the companionship of Spirits as frivolous as themselves. It is only by the regularity and frequency of such communications that we can appreciate the moral and intellectual worth of the Spirits with whom we thus hold conversation, and the degree of confidence which they deserve. If experience is necessary in order to form a true estimate of men, it is, if possible, still more necessary in forming a true estimate of Spirits.

In applying to these communications the qualification of instructive, we imply that they are true; for what is not true can never be instructive, though expressed in the most imposing language. We therefore do not include in this category certain teachings which have nothing serious about them but their high-flown and pretentious style by which Spirits possessed of more presumption than philosophy endeavor to mislead. But such Spirits, being unable to disguise their shallowness are incapable of keeping up their false assumptions for any length of time; they soon betray their weak side if we continue to converse with them and ply them with questions which compel them to show their incompetence."

Mediums will learn to recognize what kind of spirit that is trying to communicate by the 'feeling' from the spirit, the way the spirit communicates, the type of message the spirit wants to communicate, and the willingness of the spirit to respect the medium and your free will.

13- So I have to become a saint to be a good medium?

Learning is a slow, life long process; the point is to strive for some progress every day.  We live our lives the best we can.  Ask yourself, "Have I learned anything today?" "Have I done good today?" "What mistakes have I made today?" Be honest in answering those questions and let the answers be your guide for the next day. Remember that when we strive to live an ethical life and do good, we are never alone. Spirit friends and teacher  will open doors, help us endure, and become guides that will be with us every day of our life.

14- If I see/hear a spirit claiming to be a family member is it a good or bad spirit?

Just because the spirit resembles a family member does not mean it really is one.  As mediums we attract spirits with the same virtues and/or faults as our own, and spirits do have the ability to appear in different forms (faces or masks). When confronted by this dilemma, do not concentrate on the possibility that the spirit may or may not be a deceased relative, use the normal questioning techniques for any spirit to identify a good spirit or an ignorant spirit.

15- I have never seen spirits but I have heard them, when awake and asleep. Am I a medium?

Yes, any kind of communication between you and a spirit is mediumship. The particular kind of spirit communication allowed by your mediumship is particular to every individual like a fingerprint. It is not a reflection of greater or lesser mediumship ability or ethical progress.

16- Why could I see spirits as a child, and now I cannot?

A medium during childhood actually possesses a much deeper connection between the material and spirit world. It is very common for children to experience mediumship phenomena. As the child ages and reaches pre teen years, the same hormonal changes that accompany young adulthood also limit mediumship in many individuals. If your mediumship is developed enough for spirit communication in your adult years, the ability will show itself again. If it is not, you are not to blame, in your next existence the ability may have evolved enough to return during adulthood.

17- What is a 'guardian angel'? How can I recognize it?

A guardian angel is the name sometimes given to your main spirit guide. When a spirit is created and first incarnates on earth, God assigns an evolved spirit to be the guide for the young spirit during its Earthly incarnations. As time passes, the reincarnating spirit develops relationships with other spirits through family bonds. The time can come when a family member who evolves more quickly can choose to take the place of the existing spirit guide. As for recognizing your guardian angel (spirit guide), you will feel great affinity and affection for this spirit who will appears to be with you more often than all other spirits you may see.

18- Can I die or be severely harmed during a spirit communication?

Yes, you could also die or be severally harmed by driving a car or walking down the street on any given day. Mediumship is a tool that requires great study and discipline by the medium. The medium is exposed to dangers when he/she chooses to arbitrarily allow communication with any spirit and refuses to choose the path of learning and personal ethical progress.

19- OK, I want to be a medium, what do I need to do to learn?

Mediumship is an ability that develops naturally during many life times. It cannot be forced. Now if you have some mediumship ability and wish to improve those abilities, this is possible. But it might be wise to ask yourself the nature of your intentions for developing your mediumship. If you want to do good with your mediumship, then your spirit guides and teachers will help with the development as they see fit. Trying to force the further development of a mediumship ability opens the doors to cruel, ignorant and hurtful spirits who will exploit your misguided intentions.

20- What if I am a medium, and I do not want to be one any more?

It's a very difficult question, as we have our own free will. Mediumship is a natural ability that has evolved through many existences. Ideally, we could simply not use the ability and move on with our lives. But the reality is that mediumship is an additional sense that cannot be turned off. We may choose to ignore our mediumship and never develop it, but that may make more vulnerable to hurtful spirits who will exploit our unwillingness to develop the ability to control the spirit communication that is part of our destiny. A lot of prayer, deep soul searching, and perhaps more study of Spiritism would be advised.  Find a Spiritist center and ask the leaders for help and direction.

Florida - June 23, 2013

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

 

The group discussed the preparation involved within the spirit world for our reunions.  If we think that our schedules require occasional adjustments to ensure that we can attend, we must also understand all of the spiritual planning that is required.  Astrid reminded the group to "not do any harm," and Nelson added that we should try to remain humble.  Gloria stated that all of us (material and spiritual) are learning, at what often might seem to be different levels, but in reality we are occasionally learning at the same levels.

 

Spirit 1 (via Jackie):  At the table, Jackie was shown a woman placing tablets near everyone with writing on them.  As the group talked, Jackie realized that the writing on the individual tablets was related to the agenda that we promised to accomplish when we arrived in the material world this time.

 

Astrid saw a very tall Egyptian banner that was displayed in Jeff and Nelson's previous house, and now it is being displayed in this house.  Gloria wondered if any of the group members knew someone named "Joseph," but the group could not think of a connection to that name.  A spirit kept mentioning this name in Spanish to Gloria.

 

Spirit 2 (via Nelson):  There was a spirit present who hoped to harm Santiago in order to remove him from a situation.  This spirit was very angry and he was somehow related to Astrid and Santiago's daughter.  In regards to the daughter, the spirit said, "She thinks she knows it all, but she does not know anything."  Nelson said this spirit was obsessed with the daughter, and he often took control over her behavior and actions, to the point where she felt she had no control over her own life.  This spirit wanted to remove Santiago from his daughter's life, believing that if this happened, the spirit would be free to persuade her to kill herself (in the form of a suicide).  Nelson heard this spirit encouraging the daughter to ride a bike, (so she would fall or become injured in a collision with an oncoming car).  The spirit wanted her to do this because he believed it was what she wanted.

 

With help from the group, the spirit eventually saw himself for what he was - a negative influence on the daughter, not someone who was ultimately trying to help her.  He explained to the group that the daughter only respected and listened to Santiago.  As proof, he offered Santiago a box of guarded secrets that the spirit shares with the daughter.  He cautioned Santiago to "be careful when you open them..."  The spirit slowly became more emotional and drained of energy as he realized that his actions will never have the effect he hoped.  He encouraged Santiago to speak directly with his daughter.  "She needs to understand that she is alive," the spirit said.  Nelson saw her in a dark tunnel (which was one of the "secrets").  As the spirit faded away, he urged Santiago not to give up. 

 

Spirit 3 (via Nelson): A spirit arrived to cleanse Nelson and he hoped to speak to our group.  He seemed to be Nelson's main spirit guide at first, but then the table realized that he was another guide also related to Nelson.  "Don't give up on her," he softly but firmly stated, in regards to Santiago's daughter. "She is trying again to do in this life what she did in he last life - cut her life short.  We need to stop her from repeating this harmful behavior."  Gloria reminded everyone that the daughter was involved in many good things and Astrid added that she had a very active social life.  "Those are all material things," the spirit softly replied, "She needs to find a spiritual side in order to love herself."  This spirit urged Santiago to "wake up" his daughter (spiritually).  Gloria thought there was hope for an even better life, and she agreed that the daughter would listen to Santiago without any resentment.

 

Spirits 4 and 5 (via Astrid and Nelson):  A spirit helped Nelson realizes that Gregory often expected things to go a certain way, and he became frustrated when it did not occur.  If he was not happy with his current status quo, there wasn't much he could do - except wait for another opportunity.  His frustration made it difficult to open his heart to what else might be out there for him.  This spirit encouraged Gregory to keep looking for another job, and he stated that someone near him in his current position would be able to help.  Nelson cautioned to be careful with what Gregory said, as this person was someone very unexpected.  Learning and growth occur on a curve, it's never a straight ascent in any direction.  Jackie and Nelson both asked Gregory to shut off his phone sometime - and just listen.  Silence helps to unblock any potential messages that are usually more important than any cell phone activity.  Gloria added that sometimes people may not be what they seem, and Nelson was shown the same message - and he said it was somehow related to Gregory's mom.

 

There was a spirit standing in the middle, directly between Gregory and his mother.  Because of this spirit, any communication from one person was never heard by the other person.  They could not clearly hear one another, and Nelson described it as very similar to children trying to hear one another using two tin cans and a string.  The spirit moves into Astrid to speak:

Spirit (about Gregory's mother): She is scared to death, but at the same time, she seems to like it.  What is wrong with her is named fear.  I often smoke next to her (the paternal spirit was male) and she notices the fumes.  They have a way of comforting her. 

Another spirit moved into Nelson, and things got a little confusing.  Gloria counseled the spirit with Astrid and Jackie spoke to the one with Nelson.  While Astrid's spirit was male, Nelson's spirit was female.

 

Gloria has also smelled smoke in her daughter's house, and she questioned the spirit with Astrid regarding the smell of smoke: 
Astrid: She notices me when I smoke.  She is mine.

Gloria: Why do you think that?

Astrid: I am always with her...

Nelson: I am supposed to marry her son (Gregory), that's why I am dressed in a bridal gown.

Jackie: You are confused.  Look at the body you are in...

Nelson: Why am I talking with this voice?  In this body?  I am a petite woman, do you want me to show you?

Jackie: Think about why you are here...

Astrid: I am the real father, I have been with her forever and I will continue to be with her.

Gloria: You need to go with the good spirits who brought you and learn...

Astrid: I want her to myself, as I am the only one who knows what she needs.  I removed her first husband...

Gloria: Let her decide what she needs, it is not up to you.  You are thinking of an earlier life...

Nelson:  Look at these flowers.  Do you see my bouquet?  I was in a taxi, on my way to the church, ready to marry him...

Jackie: I see your flowers.  What happened in the taxi?

Nelson:  I never arrived, and I was never able to say goodbye to my groom

Jackie: Look at Gregory.  Is that man your groom?

Nelson: No, that is not him.  He is too big, my groom was thin and petite like me.

Astrid: My male presence gives his mother comfort, and she has peace...

Gloria: Look at what is happening, you are not bringing her peace, you are giving her fear.  You are no longer in the same world as she is...

Astrid: I am not?  Where am I?

Gloria: Look around you...

 

After much persuasion, the spirit sitting with Astrid was taken away by the spirit of Gloria's husband (the father).  The bridal spirit with Nelson also agreed to leave, but she insisted on taking her floral bouquet along with her.

 

Spirit 6 (via Jackie):  A spirit chuckled and said, "Now you see what we can do..." (referring to the two interrelated spirits sitting at the same time).  We may think that we have some magic (or everyday ordinary miracles) in our world, but it is nothing compared to what exists on the spirit side. 

 

The group debriefed what happened (as Gloria and Astrid did not hear the conversation between Jackie and Nelson and vice-versa).  It was ironic that when these two spirits arrived to explain the lapse in communication between a son and his mother, they created the exact same inability to hear direct conversations within our small group.  We questioned why there were not spiritual centers on every corner in our world to help ease the need for spirits and humans to communicate and understand each other better.  This led to a discussion regarding our obligations, responsibilities and the hard work required (from both sides) for all successful spiritual communication.

 

Spirit 7 (via Gloria):  A spirit arrived, and he was mad at Jackie's sister.  It was her departed husband, Mel.  He said her upcoming move and new relationship with another man was a betrayal to him.  He warned, "Tell her that she is leaving everything I gave her and now she is going out with someone else - and she is not going to be happy!"  Jackie shared that Mel was difficult to reason with when he was in the material world, but she will try to speak with him spiritually (and also materially with her sister).

 

Spirit 8 (via Nelson):  A spirit wanted Jeff to imagine his mother's surprise at seeing him seated at a spiritual table.  Jeff had been feeling guilty about his lack of contact with his mother, and this spirit assured him that he has grown, while she has not.  The spirit stated that one day, Jeff's mom will need his help (possibly in a spiritual context), and he will be able to help her at that time.  Both Gloria and Nelson realized that while she sleeps, the spirits are taking Jeff's mom to see him, so she knows that he is fine.

 

Jackie closed with a prayer.

Florida - June 18, 2013

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

 

For the educational potion of the reunion, Nelson distributed two pages from the curriculum sent to him by Mary from the Gerli center in Argentina.  The group discussed the topics in the handout, and Astrid remembered that she had received a notice at her door explaining "How to become a better Christian."  The group read and discussed this topic as well. 

 

At the table, Astrid saw "soldiers of the light", a vision of spiritual military men.  Paragraphs from the gospel were read aloud, and the soldiers remained in the room.  Astrid felt that if she were to leave her body, she might not come back.  The amount of soldiers she saw were now in the thousands, and she wondered why they had arrived.  She thought that they might be victims of a holy war, and Jackie had the same intuition.  Astrid described the soldiers as if they had drank something poisonous and they were slowly losing consciousness.  Nelson saw them as if they were weary from traveling in smaller units to many places, and now they were in the process of regrouping to create a larger army.  Jackie agreed, comparing them to "a tornado, trying to consume and suck everything into the vortex they were creating." She added, "They want to do it here, but they cannot..."

 

The mediums defined the group of soldiers as "fanatics - obsessed - possessed," and they saw them as being in their sick condition for a very long time.  "They need to disperse and break apart," Astrid said.  The soldiers did not seem to have any weapons, and Nelson saw them displayed as marionettes, being manipulated by spirits who were pulling the strings to control their behavior.  It was as if shepherds were herding them into position, and the groups were all wondering why they were being pushed into acting in this manner, when they were so ill and tired.  The soldiers did not like their destiny.

 

The group discussed the issue, seeing it as a reflection of the ongoing conflicts between the many religions here on earth.  The spirit world is also involved in a continued battle of good and evil.  These conflicts are always ongoing in both worlds.  The good spirits hope to see us learn and grow from these situations, but they also wanted to caution us that the battles we face (personal, material, spiritual or a combination of all three) may become more difficult.

 

Spirit 1 (via Jackie):  The spirit that was around Jeff last week returned to nudge Nelson.  He wanted to ask Nelson how he could continue to return to Puerto Rico over and over.  He said that although Nelson may think that the chaos in Puerto Rico is gone one he leaves, it never really goes away for good.

 

Spirit 2 (via Astrid):  The peaceful spirit of the table (Maria) arrived (and spoke in Spanish), offering a message of hope after the images of  the manipulated military soldiers.  It was up to us to keep the light of Christ, and as long as we have love, there is nothing that can be effectively used against us for very long.  The battles may intensify, so we need to keep our beliefs strong enough for any challenge.   

 

Spirit 3 (via Jackie):  Jackie saw some sort of civil litigation or court process involving Jeff's sister.  Jeff confirmed that she will traveling back to Provincetown (the location of her former store that she lost in a court case) in mid-July.  The assumption was that the trip was a vacation, but Jackie felt as if there may be more to the situation than the information that Jeff was given.

 

Spirit 4 (via Nelson):  Nelson asked Gloria who she was worried about, as he saw a continuing preoccupation with worry regarding something around her.  Gloria explained that she loved her children and grandchildren, but she always had some worries over what they have or what they may need.  Nelson thought it might be related to her grandson's new job, but Gloria believed it was related to an upcoming visitor.

 

Spirit 5 (via Astrid):  Astrid saw three black "madames" on the land where Nelson's parents and brother have a house in a rural area of Puerto Rico.  Astrid saw mountains of flowers, and there were three women, "walking and throwing flowers, walking and throwing flowers..."  They seemed to be cleaning or blessing the land.  Astrid said that they were always there, keeping the bad spirits away and cleaning the space for Nelson to go back on his next visit.  Nelson explained that he did not visit this area on his most recent trip, because he knew that he might have to work spiritually, and it was difficult to do on his own.  "Too overwhelming," Gloria added.

 

Spirit 6 (via Jackie):  Jackie asked Gloria if her daughter's husband was taking care of his health.  Gloria said he was, and Jackie suggested that he might want to have a complete physical, to confirm his general health (she saw nothing severe or extraordinary).

 

Spirit 7 (via Nelson):  Nelson saw Gloria's grandson as the victim in a violent crime scene in Puerto Rico.  "We can try to help stop anything," Astrid encouraged the table.  Jackie saw the grandson with a group that was putting a trap into place for him.  Nelson continued in Spanish, as a spirit came over him.  This spirit kept stressing, "We've got plans for him," and both Astrid and Gloria repeated that these plans would not be allowed to happen.  It took a while to calm the spirit enough to listen, as he did not realize that he was in the spirit world.  As the good spirits showed him his corpse, he began to understand.  "Muerto?"  This spirit told the group that in a previous life, he was shot by the grandson, and now the spirit wanted revenge.  He was trying to motivate others into doing the same thing to the grandson in this life.  After some persuasion and tears, the spirit was coaxed into leaving with the spirit guides who brought him, and he vowed to take his fifteen other gang members with him.  He siad, "I am leaving with them, fifteen plus me means that sixteen are leaving."

 

Spirit 8 (via Nelson): Nelson's spirit guide arrived to refresh his body and to ask Jeff to explain to Nelson that passing the very difficult spirits (hard to pass and hard for those at the table to hear) was Nelson's job.  "He has a very unique job to do and not everyone will understand, but he has to do it,"  Caballito said.  The gang member spirit was a very low level spirit, so his presence had a definite effect on Nelson's well-being, which is why Nelson's guide arrived to help.  Before his guide departed, he told the group that many other things have been planned, and not every spirit can arrive in the form of a saint promoting love.  The group understood that when the mediums step aside from the body to allow the entrance of another spirit, this communication process requires a lot of energy, effort, dedication and self-discipline.  The group discussed the issue, focusing on the differences between our group and other centers.  There is often an editing process that the mediums endure to assure that their spiritual translations are not misunderstood or labeled as "invented" to help support an underlying agenda.

 

Jackie closed with a prayer.