My Surprising Journey Into Spirit Mediumship

I had my first encounter with the spirit realm in the summer of 1987, during an evening of mediumship at a spiritualist church. That night changed everything. From then on, I regularly attended Sunday services.

My keen interest was not out of a newfound religious fervor, but simply to experience more of the spirit messages, which were always part of the service.

I was utterly mesmerized by the idea of communicating with the spirit world, and I found joy in listening to messages delivered to others as much as I did to those meant for me.

One evening, I received an unexpected call from a new friend I’d met at the church. She facilitated the weekly meditation and healing sessions. She informed me that my name had appeared on the registration sheet for an upcoming mediumship class.

I was baffled. I hadn’t signed up for anything? She then laughed and admitted that she had signed me up herself! She explained that, after getting to know me through her programs, she had a gut feeling that I might enjoy the experience.

Truthfully, I had also been attending the meditation and healing sessions primarily to receive more messages from spirit. Each session concluded with a medium delivering some messages until closing time, and I relished those moments.

It never even occurred to me that ordinary people like me could learn to become a medium. I had no prior background or training. Until my first visit to that Spiritualist church, I didn’t even know such places existed!

Our work with mediumship has shown us, clearly, that communicating with spirit loved ones can be a tremendous source of resolve, closure, and, especially, healing ~ Rev. Simeon Stefanidakis

My friend told me that one of the church’s pastors would call me to conduct a brief interview. Sure enough, a few days later, the reverend reached out. By the end of the call, I had been unexpectedly accepted into the beginner class, led by another church leader. Fortunately, I had heard him speak before during services and felt reassured by his presence; that’s the only reason I agreed to attend.

Within a few weeks, I was moved from the beginner group to the intermediate class because I was progressing very quickly, which surprised me more than anyone else!

Soon, I was delivering group messages at Sunday services, as well as at my friends’ meditation and healing events. This meant that I publicly practiced mediumship at least three times each month. I was truly blessed to have such a powerful initiation and so many opportunities to develop my mediumship in a safe space.

Before long, other spiritualist churches also began reaching out to me, and eventually, I was speaking at five different churches across multiple cities on a regular basis.

Although it was never required, I chose to follow my mentor’s example and ensure that everyone left having heard from spirit. Even if there was time for only one message per person, I made the effort because I remembered how much those messages had meant to me in the beginning.

One of the most intense tests of my mediumship occurred during a meditation circle where I stood in the center and delivered messages to forty-four people in just forty-five minutes. Since then, I’ve become known for my ability to connect with spirit very quickly, and I thank my guides every day for their guidance and support.

The following year, I was invited to join the advanced class, where I started taking part in rescue sessions… yet another aspect of mediumship that I never thought I would explore! However, as spirit often shows us, our path unfolds exactly as it’s meant to, despite our own narrow-minded human plans.

To me the communication between the two-worlds is natural and gives humanity a portal for knowledge in the furtherance of our eternal existence and our movement of life, through the psychical, out into the spiritual realms of light ~ Stephen Wakeling

What I’ve Learned About Mediumship

Follow Your Curiosity: My journey started with a single evening of curiosity. If something sparks your interest, whether it’s a service, class, or circle, trust that nudge. Spirit often speaks first through our intuition.

You don’t need to be “religious”: You can pursue spiritual mediumship without adhering to traditional religious beliefs. Spiritual connection transcends doctrine and meets you where you are.

Anyone can develop mediumship: I had no background or experience when I started. Mediumship isn’t limited to the gifted few; it can be cultivated with intention, practice, and an open heart.

Attend circles to receive and learn: Meditation circles and healing evenings are powerful spaces. Even if you’re only attending to receive messages, you’re beginning to learn the language of spirit.

Be open to guidance from others: Sometimes others see your potential before you do. Trust mentors or friends who gently encourage you; they may be spirit messengers in disguise.

Practice deep listening: Listening to the messages given to others is just as important as receiving your own. It helps attune your awareness to how spirit communicates across many lives and personalities.

Be willing to be moved forward: Don’t hesitate to take the lead when invited. Advancement may come sooner than you expect, but if you’re ready, spirit will clear your path.

Give freely and completely: I always made sure that everyone in the room received a message, regardless of time constraints. Spirit honors dedication, and generosity strengthens your connection.

Spirit works through you, not because of you: Strong messages and quick connections come from collaborating with spirit guides. Keep your ego in check and express daily gratitude for their presence.

Your journey will expand in unexpected ways: Rescue sessions, public speaking, and cross-city services may not have been on your radar, but say yes when spirit opens a new door. Growth lies just beyond your comfort zone.

Ethical Foundations & Inner Discipline

There are also certain ethical, psychological, and spiritual responsibilities that come with mediumship that aspiring mediums should be aware of, courtesy of Eileen J. Garrett’s thoughtful insights in The Ethics of Mediumship.

Cultivate inner calm without desire: Mediumistic receptivity begins with a tranquil mind, free from distraction or personal agenda. Trying to make something happen often inhibits true connection with spirit.

Remain detached yet compassionate: While it’s natural to empathize with those seeking messages, a medium must remain emotionally grounded and avoid being swept up in the sitter’s grief or expectations.

Never force anything: The slightest effort to “perform” or provide evidence can corrupt the purity of the connection. Let spirit speak in its own time and manner.

Beware of “doctrinal compliance”: Mediums must avoid unconsciously parroting the beliefs or desires of others. Remain neutral and allow authentic spiritual communication to unfold.

Avoid the role of “high priestess.” Mediumship should never evolve into a cult of personality. Avoid encouraging dependence or a spiritual hierarchy. Your role is to serve, not lead.

Understand the emotional vulnerability of sitters. Those in mourning are especially open and tender. Treat each interaction with gentleness and responsibility, knowing that even simple messages can have a profound impact.

Avoid commercial pressure. Financial or performance expectations can taint a session. Mediumship is sacred and must never become transactional or driven by profit motives.

Your journey will expand in unexpected ways. Rescue sessions, public speaking, and cross-city services may not have been on your radar, but say yes when spirit opens a new door. Growth lies just beyond your comfort zone.

Honor the balance of passivity and strength. Mediumship requires a paradoxical balance: surrendering to spirit while maintaining strong inner boundaries and integrity.

Refrain from over-identifying with the messag. Messages do not validate your ego or worth. Stay humble and remember that you are a vessel, not the source.

Ground your practice in this world first. Spirit communication should enrich your presence and responsibility in this life, not replace it. Encourage sitters to live fully in the here and now.