MEDIUMSHIP: SUSPENSION OF THE MEDIUMISTIC FACULTY

A Distancing of Good Spirits | Temporary Suspension in Benefit of the Medium

Temporary Suspension in Benefit of the Medium

In some cases, the good Spirits will cause the medium's faculty to undergo a temporary interruption in order to help the medium in some way, in other words, for his own well-being.  For example, the medium's Spiritual protector or mentor may wish to show him that the mediumistic communication does not depend on him and that as such, he should not boast or become conceited, which represents an attempt to protect the medium from the downfalls and consequences of an exaggerated pride and keep his utilization of mediumship noble.  A second beneficial reason for the temporary suspension of mediumship may be in response to the medium's physical condition that has made him somehow physically weakened and in need of rest. His mediumship is therefore interrupted so that he can regain his strength and good health.   Finally, this suspension may be provoked as a way to test the medium's patience and constancy (which he must demonstrate to gain the mutual commitment of Superior Spirits), to prove his dedication to long-term work (vs.  a mere exercise in curiosity).  This period is also helpful to the medium for it gives him time for thinking over and making use of the communications already made to him.

It was mentioned previously that when the good Spirits abandon a medium out of displeasure with his behavior, such a medium is increasingly subject to the influence of unenlightened Spirits.  Kardec clarifies, however, that in the case of the suspension of communication for the medium's well-being, the good Spirits will not allow another Spirit, of a lower degree, take their place.  He also points out that the suspension does not equal a complete withdrawal of the good Spirits who habitually communicate with the medium, but rather they continue to accompany him; the medium should continue to pray, thereby communicating with them by thought.

If you are wondering how the medium can determine to what end he is experiencing a loss of communication from good Spirits, Kardec advises that such a medium should examine his conscience.  If the medium is of great moral worth, then he has not provoked an abandonment of such Spirits, and if this same medium is not in need of physical rest, then the suspension is a trial of his patience.  The Spirits advise that, under such circumstances, the medium should resort to prayer and resignation, exercising his patience and proving his devotion.

The Spirit teacher, Emmanuel, tells us (in "O Consolador" pg 216) that "The mediumistic attributes are like the talents referred to in the Gospel.  If the divine inheritance is diverted from its objectives, the bad servant becomes unworthy of the trust afforded by the Master of truth and love.  Multiplied in benevolence, the mediumistic talents will grow toward Jesus, under divine blessings; however, if they are abused with the selfishness, pride, and vanity of inferior exploitation, they can leave the intermediary of the invisible among the heavy shadows of stagnation, in the most painful perspectives of expiation, consequences of the proliferation of his careless debts." 

 

 

Kardec, Allan. "Formation of Mediums." The Mediums' Book. 2nd ed (1st edition FEB). Trans. Anna Blackwell (translated 1876). Ed. Livraria Espírita Allan Kardec. Brasilia-DF, Brazil:  Federação Espírita Brasileira [Brazilian Spiritist Federation}. 1986.  229-233 (item 220165).

Kardec, Allan. "Spiritual Intervention." The Spirits' Book.  Trans. Allan Kardec Educational Society (translated from 2nd edition in French). Philadelphia, PA. Allan Kardec Educational Society. 1996. 171.

Emmanuel (Spirit Author), Xavier, Francisco Cândido (Medium).O Consolador [The Consoler]. 14th ed. Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil: Federação Espírita Brasileira [Brazilian Spiritist Federation].1988.216.