EPISODE 115: Perception & Control in Mediumship: How to Improve Your Readings with Ann Théato, CSNUt

Do you struggle with maintaining a clear connection during your mediumship readings? Understanding perception and control is the key to delivering accurate and powerful spirit messages. In this episode of Psychic Matters, I break down:

• What perception is in mediumship and how to sharpen it
• Why control is essential for delivering clear evidence
• How to strengthen your psychic senses for better readings
• Techniques to stay in command of your energy while working

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned medium, mastering these skills will accelerate your progress and build unshakable confidence in your readings. Tune in now and take your mediumship to the next level.

This Week’s Episode

“Mastering your perception and learning to control the flow of information from spirit allows you to deliver more accurate and meaningful messages, helping both you and your sitter to connect on a deeper, more authentic level.” – Ann Théato, CSNUt

 
Episode 115 Resources
Here are some resources which you may find helpful. 

Helen Hughes ​ https://www.sdubooks.com/english-books/all-english-books/the-mediumship-of-helen-hughes/prod_9.html
The Search for Bridey Murphy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridey_Murphy
Andrew Jackson Davis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson_Davis

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CREDITS: Reach by Christopher Lloyd Clarke. Licensed by Enlightened Audio

About Psychic Matters Podcasts

Ann Théato, CSNUt, Psychic, Medium and Spiritual Tutor, investigates psychic development, mediumship techniques, and paranormal science, so that you can come to understand your own innate psychic ability and expand your knowledge, whilst learning to develop a curious mind.

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EPISODE 115

You’ll Learn:

• How to sharpen your perception to receive clearer and more accurate messages from spirit.
• Techniques for controlling the mediumistic process to maintain focus and clarity.
• The role of personal awareness in enhancing your ability to perceive spirit communications.
• How to refine your intuitive skills to distinguish between your own thoughts and spirit messages.
• Practical exercises for strengthening your perception and maintaining control during mediumistic sessions.
• The importance of grounding and centering to improve control over your mediumship.
• Strategies for enhancing your ability to stay in control of the message flow and protect your energy

Transcript

VO: Psychic Matters with Ann Théato. The top ranked spirituality podcast.

Ann:

Hello everybody and welcome to episode 115 of the Psychic Matters podcast.  Today’s episode came from a question I have been asked several times over the past few years whilst studying – what is perception and control in mediumship?  When I was first asked this question, my heart sank – I had absolutely no idea!  Questions like this make my head swim.  I get overwhelmed with the question and can’t possibly come up with an answer. 

 

So, I thought I’d do a podcast episode for you, for anyone who is studying mediumship and is unsure of the answer and for those of you who are not studying mediumship but would like to understand the mechanics of it a little better.

 

I’ll answer it in short and then I’ll go into more detail: There are many different types of mediumship.  Physical mediumship, trance mediumship, healing mediumship, shamanic mediumship, past life mediumship, lots of different kinds of mediumship, but the one most of you will be familiar with is MENTAL mediumship.  This is the type of mediumship that is demonstrated from the platform during the clairvoyance section of a Divine Service in a Spiritualist Church, and mental mediumship is the type of mediumship you might see when mediums are working on the television.

 

Mental mediumship uses the psychic senses of clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairgustance, Clairolfaction, claircognisance.

Clairvoyance means clear seeing – so it’s when we see images or symbols in the mind’s eye

Clairaudience means clear hearing – when we can clearly hear words from spirit

Clairsentience means clear feeling – when we can tap into the feelings spirit gives us

Clairgustance means clear tasting – when we can taste things spirit impresses up on us

Clairolfaction means clear smelling – when we can smell things spirit impresses upon us

Claircognisance means clear knowing – when we just “know” something to be true, as influenced by spirit

 

Mental mediumship can be divided into two categories: perception and control.

 

Perception is when the medium perceives information through these psychic senses, gathering information from the spirit world and relaying it to the sitter.

 

Control is where the medium allows the mind of the spirit person to control them for the purposes of passing on these messages, healing, speaking, writing, or drawing & painting.

 

Mental Mediumship relies on the interaction of perception and control to channel messages from a spirit communicator through the mind of the medium. 

 

Though very distinct, perception and control are interconnected, and both influence the mechanics of mediumship in some very profound ways. 

 

This mental phenomena can give extremely good evidence of survival, but not in a tangible way. The medium’s process cannot be seen by those present. 

 

Perception refers to the medium's innate ability to receive spiritual information, be it in the form of images, impressions, or messages from the spirit world. This perception encompasses various psychic senses, including clairvoyance, which grants the medium the capacity to clearly see spirit; clairaudience, endowing them with the ability to hear spirit; and clairsentience, which allows them to feel the presence of spirits. Beyond these senses, mediums may also experience communication through taste, smell, and intuitive knowing.

 

This means that during the perception phase of mediumship, mediums are primarily in a receptive state. They focus on receiving information from the spirit world without trying to influence or control what they receive or when they receive it.

In this phase, the medium is not actively trying to direct the flow of messages; instead, they remain open and allow the information to come through naturally. This often results in the medium experiencing images, feelings, sounds, or other forms of intuitive input in an unforced manner, letting the spirit world communicate freely.

Essentially, it's about being an open channel, allowing the information to come through without trying to control it

 

Every medium experiences perception in their own unique way because we all have different ways of sensing and interpreting information from the spirit world.

It’s personal – Your perception is shaped by your experiences, emotions, and natural psychic abilities, making it completely unique to you.

Your strengths vary – Some mediums are naturally more visual (clairvoyant), while others feel spirit energy more strongly (clairsentient). Your dominant ability plays a big role in how you receive messages.

Interpretation matters – The way you process and understand what comes through depends on your training, experience, and personal connection to spirit.

You can refine your mediumship – The good news? Your clairs aren’t set in stone! With practice and the right techniques, you can strengthen and balance your abilities, making your connection to spirit even clearer and more precise.

So, no two mediums will perceive messages in exactly the same way—but through development, you can enhance your perception and expand your skills to become a more well-rounded and confident medium.

 

Developing discernment is essential in both the perception and control phases of mediumship. As I receive information from the spirit world, I need to be able to tell the difference between genuine messages and anything that might be coming from my own mind—whether that’s personal impressions, assumptions, or wishful thinking. The more I refine this skill, the more accurate my messages become.

 

Discernment is just as crucial in the control phase, where I have to recognize what’s truly coming from spirit versus what might be my own thoughts. With continuous practice, training, and experience, I can sharpen my ability to separate subtle, intuitive messages from anything influenced by my own expectations or external factors. The better I get at this, the stronger and more reliable my mediumship becomes

 

This perceptive phase serves, when we are perceiving things, feeling things, knowing things, it serves as a foundation, enabling mediums to gain insight into the thoughts, emotions, or experiences of spirit communicators and it facilitates the initial communication with the spirit realm.

 

In contrast, control represents the medium's active involvement in managing and interpreting the information received during the perception phase.

 

In mediumship, control is a key concept—especially in trance communication. But what does control really mean here, and how does a spirit communicator use it? Let me explain.

 

Control in mediumship refers to the way a spirit communicator blends with and influences a medium, allowing information to be relayed from the spirit world. In trance mediumship, this control varies in depth—from light influence, where the medium remains aware, to deep trance states, where the medium’s consciousness is almost completely overtaken. So, how does a spirit communicator take control?

 

First, there is the blending of energies. The spirit attunes itself to the medium’s auric field, syncing with their vibrational frequency to create a strong, clear link. This blending is the foundation of all controlled communication.

 

Next, we have mental impression and thought control. In lighter trance states, the spirit communicator impresses thoughts, ideas, or emotions upon the medium’s subconscious. The medium may experience these as their own thoughts or as an internal voice distinct from their usual mind process.

 

Then comes motor and speech control, which we see in deeper trance states. Here, the spirit communicator can take partial or full control of the medium’s vocal cords, breathing, and even gestures. This manifests in trance speaking, where the medium’s voice, cadence, and sometimes even accent shift to reflect the communicator.

 

In trance writing, the medium’s hand is guided to produce automatic writing, often with surprising fluency. Some mediums also experience controlled gestures, such as healing movements or artistic expressions.

 

At a deeper level, we see alteration of consciousness. The medium’s awareness moves into the background, making space for the communicator to step forward. In deep trance, the medium may have no recollection of what was spoken or done. In lighter trance, they may retain a sense of presence but feel compelled to speak or act in ways beyond their usual self.

 

Finally, there is the process of maintaining control and release. Control is not forced—it is a collaboration between the medium and the spirit world. Skilled mediums learn to allow control while retaining a sense of boundary, ensuring clear and refined communication. When the connection is complete, the spirit withdraws, and the medium regains full consciousness.

Understanding control in trance mediumship is essential for both mediums and sitters. It helps us recognize the mechanics of the communication process and appreciate the skill involved in refining and developing this remarkable ability

 

Control is also evident in automatic writing, sometimes referred to as controlled writing. In this form of spirit communication, the communicator takes control of the medium’s hand, guiding it to write words, phrases, or even entire passages without the medium’s conscious interference. The degree of control can vary—some mediums remain lightly aware of the words forming on the page, while others enter a deep trance, emerging afterward with no recollection of what has been written. Automatic writing can be fluid and effortless, often carrying language, insights, or even handwriting styles distinct from the medium’s own. It is a fascinating demonstration of spirit control, offering direct and tangible evidence of an external influence at work.

 

A related but distinct form of spirit-inspired writing is channeled writing. Unlike automatic writing, where the medium’s hand is directly controlled by spirit, channeled writing involves a more conscious collaboration. The medium remains aware but receives inspiration, guidance, or direct phrasing from a spirit communicator. The thoughts flow into the medium’s mind, often arriving with a clarity and speed that surpasses their normal writing process. Channeled writing allows for deeper engagement with the information being received, often producing profound spiritual teachings, philosophical insights, or messages of guidance from the spirit world.

 

One key distinction between trance writing and channeled writing lies in the source of the communication. In trance writing, the control is usually exerted by a single spirit communicator, often referred to as a messenger, who takes charge of the medium’s hand or speech. In contrast, channeled writing can involve multiple spirit beings, sometimes working collectively to inspire the medium. These messengers may work in harmony to convey higher teachings or universal wisdom, blending their energies to produce a seamless flow of guidance. This difference highlights the varying levels of spirit influence, from the direct control of an individual communicator to the inspired collaboration of multiple voices from the spirit realm.

 

If you're curious about seeing examples of automatic writing firsthand, many spiritualist colleges, museums, and archives have collections of writings produced during trance states by historical mediums. These pieces often offer a fascinating look at the phenomenon, with handwriting or styles that are distinctly different from the medium’s own. For those interested, I recommend checking out institutions like the London College of Psychic Studies or other spiritualist museums, where you may have the chance to view these remarkable examples in person. Be sure to contact them directly for more information on their current exhibitions or available archives

 

Understanding control in trance mediumship is essential for both mediums and sitters. It helps us recognize the mechanics of the communication process and appreciate the skill involved in refining and developing this remarkable ability

 

In older traditions of mediumship, spiritual guides were often referred to as "gatekeepers" because they were believed to control and regulate which spirits could come through in communication. The idea was that these guides would act as intermediaries, filtering the connection between the medium and the spirit world. However, in modern mediumship, we no longer rely on a gatekeeper in the same way. Instead, we work directly with the spirit communicator themselves, allowing for a more immediate and personal connection. While guides may still offer support from the background, the focus is on direct, unfiltered communication with the spirit who wishes to connect, ensuring a clearer, and authentic exchange of information.

 

You may have heard of the incredible seer, Edgar Cayce. He lived from 1877 to 1945 and had an extraordinary ability to enter a deep trance state, accessing information that profoundly helped those who sought his guidance. Cayce practiced a form of controlled mediumship, where he would enter a trance, allowing his spirit helpers to influence his mind and relay highly specific information in response to questions. He is one of the most documented psychics of the 20th century, having conducted over 14,306 readings—each one celebrated for its remarkable accuracy.

 

What made Cayce’s mediumship so powerful was his ability to set his conscious mind aside and fully attune to the minds of his spirit communicators. This level of receptivity is something all mediums work to develop. Throughout both the perception and control phases of mediumship, there is a heightened sensitivity—an openness to subtle energies and impressions from the spirit world. Whether receiving mental impressions or allowing a spirit to work more directly through them, the medium’s ability to surrender and trust plays a pivotal role in the clarity of communication.

 

Trust and surrender are at the heart of both perception and control. A medium must have confidence in the information they receive and allow messages to flow naturally, without over-analysing or doubting the process. But this doesn’t happen overnight—it takes continuous practice and dedication. Sitting in the power, meditation, study, and spiritual development are all essential to refining these abilities.

 

At the same time, maintaining a balance between surrender and self-awareness is key. As a medium, I have to allow the spirit world to work through me, but I also need to stay grounded and centred in my own energy. This isn’t about protection from negative forces—because all spirit communication comes through with love and compassion—but rather about ensuring I don’t become mentally, emotionally, or physically depleted. By setting clear boundaries and working in the power, I can keep my mediumship strong and effective, allowing me to work at my best without feeling drained. This balance enables me to serve both the spirit world and those seeking messages in a way that is both effective and fulfilling.

 

Perception and control can also involve altered states of consciousness. In the perception phase, mediums may experience an expanded state of awareness that heightens their ability to receive information. In the control phase, they may enter a deeper trance state, allowing the spirit communicator more direct access to their physical faculties, such as speech. In both cases, trust, surrender, and cooperation create a powerful partnership between the medium and the communicating spirit, ensuring that the messages delivered are as clear and impactful as possible.

 

In the perception phase, I draw upon my established connection with the spirit world, working to interpret and convey messages with clarity and accuracy. This requires a deep rapport with the spirit communicator and an ability to translate their impressions into meaningful evidence and guidance. In the control phase, when a spirit takes greater influence over an entranced medium’s mind, the communication is still shaped by the medium’s personal memory, cultural background, and vocabulary. A spirit communicator can only work with the knowledge, language, and frames of reference already within the medium’s mind. This means that if a spirit wishes to convey something beyond the medium’s own experience or understanding, the message may not come through exactly as intended.

 

Validation and verification are essential in both perception and control. When working in perception, I strive to deliver specific details—names, dates, personal memories—so the recipient can recognize and confirm the connection. In control, evidential information may also be given, but in addition to factual details, the spirit communicator might express themselves through unique speech patterns, body language, or mannerisms that reflect their personality. These validations reassure the recipient that the connection is genuine.

 

Both perception and control can be refined through practice and training. Developing perception involves honing my ability to receive and interpret spirit messages with increasing accuracy. In control, if I choose to deepen my trance mediumship, I would train to allow spirit greater influence while ensuring that I maintain a level of awareness and safety. During a mediumship sitting or demonstration, I may shift fluidly between these states—at times passively receiving information and at other moments surrendering more fully to allow the spirit to influence the way the message is delivered. This adaptability allows me to meet the needs of the communicator and ensure the message reaches the recipient in the clearest way possible.

 

Personal development plays a huge role in my ability to work with both perception and control. As I grow spiritually and psychologically, my connection to the spirit world deepens, and my intuition sharpens. This ongoing journey often involves addressing personal blockages, healing emotional wounds, and strengthening my spiritual awareness. With each step forward, I become better equipped to navigate the delicate balance between surrendering to spirit and maintaining my own sense of self. This balance allows me to work with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity in my communication with the spirit world.

 

Although perception and control represent distinct aspects of mediumship, they share several key elements that underpin effective communication with the spirit world. Both require heightened sensitivity and receptivity, the ability to enter altered states of consciousness, and an ongoing willingness to develop through training and practice. Trust and cooperation are also essential, allowing the medium to receive and deliver messages with accuracy and understanding. All of these elements are vital, regardless of whether I am perceiving information or allowing a spirit to control my faculties.

 

A proficient medium knows how to balance and use both perception and control effectively, navigating the spirit world with skill. In doing so, we are able to convey messages, offer comfort, and provide guidance and understanding to those seeking solace or enlightenment.

 

Ethics is a crucial element in both perception and control during mediumship. When I am perceiving information, it’s essential to ensure that what I’m receiving is clear, free from my own emotions, biases, or desires. This becomes even more important during the control phase, where I must ensure that the spirit’s message is communicated honestly, with integrity, and with respect. I never force a message or manipulate the process, whether I’m in a receptive or controlled state. Having clear ethical guidelines in place is key to protecting both me and the sitter, ensuring that the messages received are respectful, accurate, and supportive, and that neither the spirit world nor the sitter can exploit the process.

 

Now, let’s explore partial and full control in mediumship. What does that mean?

In mediumship, “partial” and “full” control refer to the different levels of influence that spirit communicators have over a medium’s faculties during communication. These terms describe how much control the medium allows the spirit to exert over their physical body or vocal cords to convey messages or perform physical phenomena, and this directly impacts the clarity of the messages transmitted from the spirit realm.

 

Partial control occurs when a spirit communicator influences certain aspects of the medium's faculties while the medium retains some level of awareness. The medium remains aware of the impressions and messages coming from the spirit, but their thoughts, emotions, or sensations may be subtly altered. For example, a medium might feel a sudden surge of emotions, like sadness or joy, that they don’t recognize as their own but are the emotions of the spirit communicating. They might also notice changes in their body, such as a sudden tightening of the chest or a sensation of heat, which are signals from the spirit world. While the medium is still conscious, there’s a blending of their own thoughts with the spirit’s, creating a cooperative influence. However, this blending can make the messages more subjective and sometimes less clear.

 

For instance, if a medium receives a message that’s unclear or only partially formed because of the blending of their own thoughts with the spirit’s, they might interpret a spirit's gesture or image in a way that fits their own experience or understanding. This increases the chance of misinterpretation, as the medium may interpret the message through their own emotional state, cultural background, or biases. For example, a medium might hear a specific word or phrase from the spirit but misinterpret it because they associate that word with a different meaning than the spirit intended. While awareness and training can help reduce miscommunication, this blending remains a challenge.

 

On the other hand, full control happens when a spirit communicator completely takes over the medium’s faculties. The medium enters a deeper trance state, suppressing their consciousness so that the spirit can use the medium's body or vocal cords directly. In this state, the medium has no memory or awareness of the communication process or physical phenomena produced. For example, during a demonstration, a medium in full control might suddenly speak in a different voice or language that the medium doesn’t recognize, while the spirit communicator is directly using the medium's vocal cords to speak. The absence of the medium’s consciousness allows the spirit to communicate more directly, and often more clearly.

 

Full control can result in more coherent messages, reducing the potential for personal bias or interpretation. For instance, a medium in full control may relay a message that is much more direct and detailed, with no influence from the medium’s own thoughts. This state also enables the possibility of physical phenomena, like materializations or direct voice, which may not be possible with partial control. An example of this might be a medium who, in full control, manifests a spirit's physical presence in the room—allowing the spirit to interact with the environment or the people present in ways that couldn’t happen in partial control.

 

It’s important to note that the level of control can depend on both the medium’s intent and the spirit communicator’s influence. Some mediums may seek full control for unfiltered communication, while others may prefer partial control to stay aware during the process. A medium’s experience and ability to enter altered states also play a role. More experienced mediums are often able to achieve full control and maintain a stable connection with the spirit world, whereas those in the early stages of development may find partial control more manageable.

 

For example, a beginner medium might only be able to achieve partial control, where they receive messages in more subtle ways, like sensing emotions or seeing brief images. As they grow in their practice and comfort with altered states, they may begin to experience full control, where the spirit communicator can use their vocal cords or make stronger physical connections, like moving objects or speaking in a different tone of voice.

This illustrates the flexibility and the skill involved in working with both partial and full control, and how each phase has its own unique characteristics depending on the medium’s level of experience and the nature of the spirit communication.

 

Trance mediumship, involves the suspension of the medium's ordinary consciousness regarding their external surroundings, leading to a semi-conscious state where the medium has lost the ability to use their cognitive faculties. The spirit communicator controlling the entranced medium relies on this condition. However, the spirit communicator can only use expressions already contained within the medium's memory, and the message may not be conveyed precisely as desired, potentially being influenced by the medium's cultural background. For the spirit communicator to effectively express their thoughts, it's essential that the medium be under complete control. A greater degree of control results in a more perfect expression of the message.

 

In the realm of mediumship, there are instances where mediums under full control display knowledge or abilities that far exceed their own personal experiences or capabilities. This is often seen when the medium acts as a direct conduit for a spirit communicator, providing evidence of extraordinary spiritual influence.

 

A striking example of this phenomenon is Helen Hughes, a well-known medium from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Helen was noted for her ability to speak fluently in French, despite having no prior knowledge of the language. This remarkable demonstration of full control suggests that in these trance states, the medium's own consciousness takes a back seat, allowing the spirit to express knowledge and skills beyond what the medium would normally possess.

 

This idea of spirits communicating through a medium, and sometimes revealing hidden knowledge, is also central to the famous case of Bridie Murphy, as described in the book The Search for Bridey Murphy by Morey Bernstein. In the 1950s, Bernstein worked with a woman named Ruth Simmons, who, under hypnosis, began to speak as though she were Bridie Murphy—a woman who had lived in Ireland in the 19th century. Ruth’s detailed accounts of Bridie’s life, from her upbringing in Ireland to her experiences as an adult, were astonishing, especially considering Ruth had no previous knowledge of Irish culture or history.

 

As Ruth spoke through the persona of Bridie Murphy, Bernstein was able to verify many of the details Ruth provided, such as names, places, and events, that seemed to align with historical records of a woman named Bridie Murphy. Although sceptics later questioned the authenticity of Ruth’s memories, suggesting they could have been influenced by suggestion or imagination, the case became one of the most well-known instances of past-life regression and reignited public interest in the concept of reincarnation.

 

In the context of mediumship, this case is fascinating because it mirrors the extraordinary phenomenon we see in full control. Ruth Simmons, much like Helen Hughes, seemed to step aside as the spirit of Bridie Murphy took over, communicating through Ruth in a way that was beyond her own knowledge or capabilities. The case of Bridie Murphy invites us to question how much of our consciousness is truly our own and how much may be influenced by otherworldly forces—whether that’s the spirit world or the realm of past lives.

 

In both of these examples, Helen Hughes and Ruth Simmons, we see the potential for extraordinary communication through full control. These instances show us just how powerful and mysterious the spirit world can be, pushing the boundaries of what we know and challenging us to expand our understanding of mediumship and consciousness. Just as Helen Hughes provided evidence of the spirit world’s vast knowledge by speaking a language, she had no prior knowledge of, Ruth Simmons unlocked what might be seen as a past life, accessed through the deep state of trance she was in. These examples suggest that in moments of full control, the medium’s conscious mind steps aside, allowing for the transmission of knowledge, wisdom, and abilities that would otherwise be beyond their capacity.

 

But these are not isolated cases. In the broader history of spiritualism, we find numerous examples where full control reveals astonishing insights and opens doors to realms of understanding that defy logical explanation. One of the most remarkable figures in the early development of spiritualism was Andrew Jackson Davis, an American spiritualist whose work contributed significantly to the foundation of spiritualist philosophy. Davis was an uneducated man in the conventional sense, but when he entered a trance state—under what we would now call full control—he was able to deliver profound lectures on topics like philosophy, spirituality, and the nature of the universe.

 

While in this trance state, Davis dictated Harmonial Philosophy, a comprehensive work that covered complex spiritual and philosophical ideas in detail. For someone with no formal education, this was an extraordinary accomplishment. His ability to speak and write on topics like the interconnectedness of all life, the harmony between the material and spiritual worlds, and the nature of human consciousness was seen as evidence of the vastness of the spiritual realm’s influence. This wasn’t simply automatic writing or vague impressions—what Davis was channeling was sophisticated, organized knowledge that would impress even the most learned scholars.

Much like Helen Hughes, who spoke French under full control, Andrew Jackson Davis demonstrated that when a medium surrenders fully to the spirit world, the spirit communicators can use the medium’s faculties to share knowledge that far surpasses the medium’s personal capabilities. This level of full control challenges our understanding of consciousness itself, suggesting that the medium's awareness is merely a vessel—one that can access information and experiences beyond the constraints of personal memory, culture, or education.

 

What’s fascinating about both of these examples is that they show us the potential for a deeper connection between the medium and the spirit world. Whether it’s the speaking of a language never learned in life, the relaying of past life memories, or the delivery of advanced philosophical concepts, these phenomena demonstrate that the spirit world is not limited by the medium’s own experience. Instead, it’s a realm that can communicate profound truths, wisdom, and abilities that are often inaccessible in our everyday lives. And for us as mediums and students of mediumship, this means understanding that when we enter states of full control, we have the potential to access realms of consciousness and knowledge that may seem far beyond our ordinary grasp.

 

Now, in contrast, partial control is a more common phenomenon in modern-day mediumship. In cases of partial control, the spirit communicator does not fully take over the medium’s faculties. Instead, the spirit influences certain aspects of the medium's abilities while the medium retains some level of awareness and consciousness. This is often the case in contemporary mental mediumship demonstrations, whether live or online through platforms like Zoom. The medium’s consciousness is not entirely overridden by the spirit, and they are still consciously aware of the impressions and information being passed on. However, the communication may still be influenced by the spirit in a more subtle, cooperative way.

 

I recently experienced a demonstration that highlights this concept of partial control. During a mediumship session, a spirit communicator who had been deaf in their human lifetime partially controlled my hands. I had knowledge of British Sign Language, and through my hands, I interpreted the spirit’s sign for “Christmas.” At the same time, the spirit communicated through my claircognisance, allowing me to receive the message they had passed at Christmas. The recipient of the message found it deeply meaningful, and it served as strong evidence of the spirit's presence and the connection we had made. This instance of partial control provided a clear example of how spirits can influence a medium’s faculties without fully taking over their consciousness, allowing for a collaborative and evidential exchange between the spirit world and the recipient.

 

As we wrap up today's episode, I want to take a moment to talk about the importance of perception and control in mediumship, especially in a development circle. These two aspects are absolutely central to the process of becoming a confident and capable medium, and I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to understand and balance both.

 

Let’s start with perception. In a development circle, you're learning to sharpen your senses to receive and interpret the subtle impressions that come through from the spirit world. These impressions might come as intuitive insights, physical sensations, images, or even fleeting thoughts. At the beginning of your development journey, it's completely normal to question these perceptions. You might wonder, "Is this my imagination, or is this truly coming from the spirit world?" This doubt is a part of the process and something that you’ll work through with time. The key is learning to trust yourself and your impressions.

 

In a circle, the leader will guide you through exercises that enhance your sensitivity to these impressions. One common exercise is psychometry, where you pick up objects that belong to someone and receive impressions or messages from them. It's a great way to train your senses and build confidence in your abilities. You might also work with photographs, learning to “read” the energy and messages from them. Over time, as your trust in your own intuition grows, you’ll begin to receive clearer messages, and you'll even start to connect with specific spirit communicators—like guides or loved ones—and relay more personal information.

 

Now, let’s talk about control. This is where things can get a little trickier, especially when you're first starting out. In a development circle, you’re learning how to allow the spirit world to influence your energy without losing control of your own faculties. This is a delicate balance of surrender and boundaries. It's important to remember that, as a medium, you are in control of your own mind and body. Spirit communicators may influence your thoughts, feelings, or even actions, but you are never completely powerless.

 

The exercises you do in the circle often start with grounding and centring. This helps you prepare your energy to connect with spirit, and it also helps you stay firmly rooted in your own body and mind. For example, in automatic writing or inspirational speaking, you may allow a spirit communicator to blend with your energy and express their message through you. However, the goal is not to let go of all control, but to allow the spirit to work through you in a way that’s clear and respectful of your boundaries.

 

As you continue to develop, you may experience trance states, where you're less aware of your conscious thoughts and more receptive to the spirit communicator. This can feel a bit strange, especially for beginners, and it’s completely normal to have concerns about losing control. But here's the thing: the more you practice, the more you learn to recognize when spirit is influencing you, and when you need to take a step back to regain full control. Your circle leader will be there to guide you through this, helping you to feel safe and grounded while still allowing space for spirit communication.

 

Another fascinating aspect of mediumship, especially in an advanced circle, is physical mediumship. This involves spirit communication that is tangible and can be experienced by others in the room. This might include phenomena like table tipping, where objects move in response to spirit energy, or direct voice communication, where the medium’s vocal cords are used by the spirit to speak. It’s an advanced skill and requires a controlled environment—often with the lights dimmed, and a heightened focus on the atmosphere.

 

When you first experience these physical manifestations, it can be awe-inspiring and, let’s be honest, a bit intimidating. But over time, as you become more experienced, you'll learn to trust the process and remain calm. The key is to stay grounded, keep your mind clear, and remember that you are still in control of your faculties.

 

Whether you're focusing on perception, control, or even physical mediumship, the process is about practice and patience. The more you work through your fears and doubts, the stronger your connection to the spirit world will become. The development circle is there to support you, helping you to build confidence, refine your abilities, and remain safe in your mediumship practices.

 

Ultimately, the role of the circle leader is crucial—they're there to ensure the space is safe, to provide guidance when you need it, and to help you learn how to maintain your boundaries while still allowing for authentic spirit communication. It's all about trusting the process, staying grounded, and knowing that, with time and practice, you’ll become more attuned to the spirit world, able to convey clear, meaningful, and evidential messages with integrity and confidence.

 

As we conclude today’s episode, it's important to remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, who have given us their knowledge and wisdom, and thanks to them, we know quite a bit about the spirit world. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, we realize how little we truly understand. We are only scratching the surface of what is possible. The way we explain these experiences today may change in the future as our knowledge continues to grow.

 

One concept that might help us better understand this process is morphic resonance, a theory introduced by biologist Rupert Sheldrake. Morphic resonance suggests that there is a kind of collective memory or field that stores information and patterns across time and space. The more something happens, the easier it becomes for it to happen again. This idea extends beyond individual experiences and includes groups, species, and even the collective knowledge of human consciousness. In the context of mediumship and spiritual exploration, morphic resonance suggests that the knowledge and experiences of those who have come before us may not only inform our own understanding but also influence future generations of seekers, helping to build on the wisdom that has come before. As we continue to explore the spirit world, perhaps quantum science and concepts like morphic resonance will help us uncover new truths that align with both what we intuitively know and the deeper mysteries of the spirit world.

 

Until then, we remain open to learning, exploring, and expanding our awareness—standing on the knowledge of the past while embracing the mysteries yet to be discovered. Our perception of the spirit world, and the control we develop in mediumship, will continue to evolve as we deepen our understanding. And as we unlock new layers of knowledge, we’ll realise that the more we learn, the more we become aware of how much we still have yet to discover.