Channeling Opposite pole within New Age Movement to Mother Earth Spirituality Stresses otherworldly (rather than nature-centred) sources of inspiration Stresses idea that we are already too concerned with worldly things: spiritual focus should take one away from nature, not towards it. Both Channeling & Mother Earth share wider New Age worldview, however: self- transformation, evolution of spiritual consciousness, coming of new spiritual age. “Peace Angel” by Patricia Canivan

Historical Influences: Necromancy Global practice, across cultures and time periods Speaking to the dead to reveal hidden knowledge Shamanic necromancy: shaman enters trance, travels to land of dead Priestly/Prophetic: priest/prophet calls spirits of dead to this world –Biblical necromancy: I Samuel 28 – Saul contacts spirit of Samuel Mark 9:2-8 – Jesus contacts spirits of Moses & Elijah Transfiguration of Jesus

Spiritualism & Theosophy Both 19 th century movements already discussed in connection to broader New Age Movement Both emerged out of historical environment shaped by Christianity that condemned necromancy as demonic Spiritualism & Theosophy make communication with spirits central religious practice Spiritualism: speaks to spirits of loved ones Theosophy: speaks to “elevated masters” “Spirit Guide” by J. Ann Masiker

Edgar Cayce ( ) Very famous “channeler,” known as “Sleeping Prophet” Falls ill in 1900, is hypnotized & prescribes own cure. Begins to conduct health readings under hypnosis, very successful Died 1945; had produced more than 30,000 spirit readings by this time Topics ranged from health, astrology, religion, politics Akashic Record – cosmic library where all is recorded

Edgar Cayce Reincarnation problematic for Cayce – reconciled to belief when he saw that the Bible supports it (i.e. Matthew 11: and 17:12-13, concerning the identity of John the Baptist.) Past life regressions then become a focus for Cayce. Founded Association for Research and Enlightenment Founded Edgar Cayce Foundation Writings published by son Hugh Lynn Cayce in 1960’s – wide ranging recognition as a result John at the Jordon River - reincarnation of Elijah?

Worldview In addition to broader worldview of New Age Movement, Channelers also add one additional element: –Dualism: implicit in nature of channeling itself, because sources for spiritual inspiration are defined as “out there” somewhere, which sets up separation of here/there; self/other –At first glance incompatible with monistic emphasis of New Age: but, message of channeled entities is almost always monisitc: all is one Angel by Peggy Jentoft

Techniques Wide variety of techniques: light trance, full trance; verbal communication; written communication; own voice; different voices; in private; in public. Wide variety of spirit entities channeled: deceased humans; angels; energy beings; beings from Atlantis/Lemuria; extraterrestrials.

The Message Although no two channeled philosophies are identical, there does seem to be a common core message. Eight core teachings are: –Personal responsibility: you are responsible for saving your self –Salvation comes from loving yourself –Fear = the obstacle that must be overcome –Death = illusion; reincarnation = truth –Physicality (belief that physical is all there is; that physical is true reality) must be overcome –Getting in touch with “higher self” – you spiritual essence – is spiritual goal –Each person creates their own reality –You are God “The Temple Within” by Kolorama

Seth Most famous early New Age entity, channeled by Jane Roberts First contact Self-described as “energy personality essence” – Two books of channeled writings, The Seth Material (1970) and Seth Speaks (1972) Jane Roberts

Seth Teachings of Seth: –God is “All that is” –Each individual has God within themselves –Personality is multi- dimensional – we transcend time and space –We are responsible for our own lives – we chose this life to foster our spiritual development Conceptualization of Seth

A Course in Miracles Channeled by psychologist & medical school professor Helen Cohn Schucman between Channeled entity was Christ “This is a course in Miracles. Please take notes.” 622 page text, 478 page work book, 365 lessons, 88 page teachers’ manual – published anonymously Helen Cohn Schucman

A Course in Miracles –Nothing Unreal Exists God is father/son/holy spirit: Father is changeless, eternal Only things which share these characteristics are real – world, death, hate, sin are all unreal because they do not share these characteristics We are not separate from God, but mistakenly believe we are. In believing it, we experience it – false perception must be overcome –Nothing Real can be Threatened Only God, and ourselves as extensions of God, are real – because we share God’s characteristic of being eternal, we cannot be threatened – there is no death, no separation. Grasping this truth = the miracle – when we grasp it, love replaces fear, and we are reunited with all that is – God. God

Ramtha Channeled by J.Z. Knight Spirit entity = 35,000 year old warrior from Atlantis. First contact 1977 via “pyramid power” “I am Ramtha, the Enlightened One. I have come to help you over the ditch.” Ditch = self-imposed limitations & fear JZ Knight

Ramtha Key teachings: –Everyone has the power to master own destiny, and achieve desires through positive thinking –To do so, must first realize truth that God is not outside yourself: You are GodYou are God –Only difference between Ramtha and us is that Ramtha knows he’s God, and we don’t. Controversial because of fees: $400 per channeling workshop session Founded Sovereignty, Inc. to organize workshops & book sales; and for disseminating teachings. Ramtha speaks through JZ Knight

Lazaris Channeled by Jach Pursel Entity self-described as “a spark of love and light” – never human – can give insight into human nature because looking from outside First contact 1974 Similar message to previous, with added element that life on earth has positive spiritual value –Time and space are the safety nets that cushion us from the true spiritual state of affairs, in which we create our own reality – without them, we would not be able to finish learning the lessons we need, to grasp our oneness with God. Lazaris speaks through Jach Pursel

The Pleiadians Extraterrestrial entities channeled by Barbara Marciniak Similar message of personal responsibility, we are god, etc. Added element = extraterrestrial origins of humans – created by aliens to fulfill spiritual destiny. We have forgotten our destiny, however, and been led astray by poorly evolved aliens who fear our potential. Bad aliens are in league with American government – a theme we will see more of in next section of our course. Pleiadians are here to guide us back to spiritual path Barbara Marciniak