What is Trance Mediumship?
Trance mediumship is one of the oldest forms of spirit communication, often associated with séances and physical phenomena. Trance itself refers to the altered state of consciousness the medium enters. Like all forms of mediumship many years of study and training are required to work in the trance state. The medium will sit to prepare themselves entering into a state similar to meditation. In this state there are physical changes to the mediums body, such as; a slowing of the heart beat (though some people also experience a quickening of the heart beat); slow, deep breathing; altered brain patterns and lowering of body temperature. There is also an altered awareness of sounds, touch, space and conscious thought. The medium will then allow their spirit communicator (guide) to blend their energies with them. Thereby allowing the spirit being to merge with their physical and subtle bodies, mind and spirit. This process can take several minutes, however in Edward's case the trance transition occurs very quickly but can be noisey.
In a true trance mediumship state, the essence of the spirit communicator will be felt by those watching and listening. The spirit communicator will be able to impart not only their thoughts but also their personality. Changes to the appearance of the trance medium may also occur, this is not to be confused with transfiguration. In edward's case, his facial features are seen to change as the muscles in his face are altered by his communicator. It is also very common for changes to occur in the spoken voice, these range from tone and depth of the voice, dialect and accents to mannerism and speech patterns. Both of Edward's current communicators speach can be elequent and some say verbose when speaking however they do make a great deal of sense
Working in partnership with spirit
Trance mediumship is a working partnership between medium and communicator. Sometimes it is confused with possession which is wrong. A trance medium is never possessed. This is at all times a willing and loving relationship between spirit and medium. The medium always has the control as to when they enter the trance state.
Some of this confusion arises because of the use of the word control. Spirit do in deed take control of the trance mediums mind, body and voice but not without permission. The medium and spirit work as a team in harmony and together The depth of that control also varies. The level of consciousness of the trance medium also varies depending on the intent and conditions of the communication. Trance mediumship therefore has several levels or layers. These refer to the lack of conscious awareness of the medium and amount of control spirit have.
They range from light trance to deep trance (or full trance). Deep trance is more often used when working as a physical medium to produce physical mediumship and phenomena, such as ectoplasm, apports and apparitions.
Further Reading
Should you be interested in learning more about trance and physical mediumship why not read up on - Ivy Northage, Eileen Garrett, Ursula Roberts, Helen Duncan or Leslie Flint. Alternatively read some of philosophies given by Silver Birch, Chan, Seth or Ramadan.
These book titles are also links to Amazon.co.uk (opens in a new window):
