COMMENTARY: WHY SILVER BIRCH PASSES OUR TEST OF CREDIBILITY We can assess the credibility of mediums who bring through survival evidence by its specificity and accuracy. But what about those who claim to bring though spiritual teaching and information about the afterlife and other dimensions?
The criteria we use are as follows.
1) The character and caliber of the medium and the medium's circle over a long period. Was the circle harmonious? Was the medium well regarded by his peers? During his active life as an editor, lecturer, and author in the cause of Spiritualism, Maurice Barbanell, the medium for Silver Birch, was a friend of every major British medium. He sat with the same people in the Hannen Swaffer Home Circle for more than fifty years. Less than a week after his death at age 79, on July 17, 1981, spirit messages from him were claimed through the mediumship of Gordon Higginson, a close friend.
2) The quality and internal consistency of the spirit teacher's communication over many years. Hannan Swaffer wrote that over fifty years "I have never known him to forget anything" and "during recent years, I have taken all sorts of people to hear Silver Birch talk—ministers of religion, journalists, people from all parts of the world. I have never heard from any one of them a word of criticism of anything he said".
3) Consistency with evidence from other sources e.g. OBEs, EVPs, ITC, other mediums, etc.
4) Your response to the work - is it always loving and without ego? Is it uplifting and inspiring and does it ring true at the deepest level? Does it make you want to be a better person? It is here that Silver Birch excels. As Hanna Swaffer says
"Silver Birch has more followers than any earthly preacher. They belong to every clime and to almost every race and are people of all shades of colour. Yet, put down in cold print, Silver Birch’s words cannot do more than convey a little of the nobility of his character, the warmth of his friendship and the natural dignity of his utterance. Sometimes, they compel tears. We know that we are in the presence, however humbly he may speak, of a high, exalted spirit. He never reproves. He never finds fault".
Read Hannan Swaffer's full endorsement.
SILVER BIRCH SAYS USE YOUR REASON "We never say to you: "Do not use your reason: have faith only." We say: "Use that which the Great Spirit has given you. Test us. Examine us. If aught that we say is debasing, cruel or immoral, then reject us. If we seek always to teach you to live nobler lives, lives of greater self-sacrifice and of idealism, then surely that demonstrates that the hall-mark of the Great Spirit is stamped upon our teaching." Teachings of Silver Birch p. 29
WHY PETER NO LONGER HAS FAITH AFTER HIS NDE Peter Panagore talks about his NDE (near- death experience) and how it changed him forever. This is his testimony.
WHAT DOES A SPIRIT'S BODY LOOK LIKE ON CROSSING OVER? "Anatomically, just exactly the same as yours does. We have muscles, we have bones, we have sinews, but they are not of the earth; they are purely of spirit. We suffer from no ailments - that would be impossible in the spirit world. Therefore our bodies do not require constant looking after to maintain a state of good health. Here our health is always perfect because we have such a vibrational rate that disease, and the germs that cause it, cannot enter. Malnutrition, in the sense that you know it, cannot exist here, but spiritual malnutrition - that is, of the soul - does most certainly exist. A visit to the dark realms and their neighborhood will soon reveal that." (Mons H. Benson)
A FASCINATING CONVERSATION
Medium James Van Praagh talks with Bob Olson about his experiences with people attending their own funerals, addictions in the afterlife, and what our loved ones in spirit try to tell us.
QUESTION: DO WE KNOW WHEN WE ARE GOING TO DIE?
It seems that at some level many of us do - at least at an unconscious level. When John Wesley wrote to Emanuel Swedenborg that he was about to leave on a six-month trip, but would like to meet with him upon his return Swedenborg said that it would be too late as he would “go into the world of spirits on the 29th day of the next month, never more to return.” Swedenborg died of natural causes on March 29, 1772, even though he still appeared in good health and gave no signs of dying beforehand. He had, in advance, also told his landlady and maidservant of his departure that day. The latter said that he seemed pleased at the prospect, “as if he was going to have a holiday, to go to some merry-making.” Read more.
DR. DEAN RADIN'S MISSION
In the segment below of this excellent interview with Spiritist broadcaster Luis Sergio Marotta, Dr.
Dean Radin says that his main purpose these days is "to change the taboo nature of this topic (science and spirituality) so that people in the academic world can talk about it". He says one of the consequences of the scientific world view is that there is no meaning to anything - "in the United States we're not citizens any more, we're consumers".
Other sections of the interview: 0:00 Introduction 3:37 Dr. Radin's Books
6:51 Real Magic
11:52 Difficulties Noticing Magical Events
16:25 Academic Resistance to Anomalous Phenomena 24:03 Psi Genes
30:23 Conventional Academic Books on Magic
36:37 Why These Phenomena do NOT become Public Easily
40:30 What Kind of Movement Would Dr. Radin Start?
GRIEF RESOURCES We are so fortunate to be living in this time when there is an explosion of information available about what REALLY happens when you die. There are many organisations and people that can help those who are grieving to realise that death is not the end of the relationship with our loved ones. Here are some videos and links about resources that you or someone you know may find helpful.
CULTURAL VIEWS OF DYING, DEATH AND WHAT COMES NEXT After an introduction by Windbridge Research Center Executive Director Mark Boccuzzi, Community Advisory Board Members Patricia Pearson and David B. Metcalfe explore how experiencing contact with the dead transitioned from what was seen as common in the folklore of cultures worldwide to Freud calling such experiences “wishful psychosis.” These types of experiences are still not well-received within the currently dominant paradigms and establishments. Patricia calls this “a tragic suppression of a vital part of our cultural experience.” Listen.
SIX STORIES OF PRE-BIRTH MEMORIES
It's fascinating to read forums where more and more people are sharing their memories of experiences before their birth. What is impressive is the consistency between them and the agreement with other sources of evidence.
LOVING HEART CONNECTIONS
Jane Vair Bissler Ph.D. has spent 35 years working with grieving people as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Fellow in Thanatology. Recently she has developed a way of showing people how to make a direct connection with a loved one in spirit, a guide or higher self. The process uses well-researched elements from Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) which includes bilateral stimulation done through tapping, sounds, and eye movements. Jane has worked out a way to do it online over zoom. The sessions are 90 to 120 minutes and the cost is $150 U.S. Once a person learns how to do it they can continue to make contact at will. Read more. See also the Testimonials page. Jane is now beginning to train licensed mental health, medical, pastoral care or social work professionals. See practitioners' page.
FREE AFTERLIFE ZOOM GROUPS - ALL WELCOME
SOME GROUPS HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED THEIR TIMES BECAUSE OF DAYLIGHT SAVING
Thursday 11th October/ Friday 12th October Australia Journey of the Soul Discussion Group
Meets the Second Thursday of the Month
Book to read: Where Two Worlds Meet Times:
6 p.m. Pacific time
9 p.m. Eastern time
12 noon Friday Sydney https://zoom.us/j/7595442928
Coordinator: Len La Scolea lenlascolea@gmail.com
Saturday October 16th 2021/ Sunday October 17th Australia
Spiritist Literature: Directed Study
A free Zoom group about Spiritism, Kardec and Chico Xavier.
See videos of previous meetings.
Saturdays at 3 p.m. Central time.
Topic - Moral Laws The Spirits' Book – Part III
Pacific time and Arizona - Saturday 1 p.m.
Eastern time - Saturday 4 p.m.
Sydney time - Sunday 7 a.m.
Auckland - Sunday 9 a.m. Check time in your city
Co-ordinator: Ana Castro
Just click this link to join.
Sunday October 17th 2021 / Monday October 18th Australia
Global Gathering: My Spiritual Journey with Trance Medium Alan Cochrane Times:
Los Angeles 1 p.m. Sunday
Phoenix 1 p.m. Sunday
Chicago 3 p.m. Sunday
New York 4 p.m. Sunday
London 9 p.m. Sunday
Rome 10 p.m. Sunday
Sydney 7 a.m. Monday
Auckland New Zealand 9 a.m. Monday Check the time for your city
Co-ordinators: karynjarvie@ozemail.com.au and wendyzammit@gmail.com https://zoom.us/j/7595442928
Sunday October 17th 2021 / Monday October 19th Australia
Spiritualism Today Every Sunday
A presentation of some aspect of Spiritualism and spirituality followed by open discussion. If you have questions about Spiritualism or spirituality or religion, bring them here. Times:
California 4 p.m.
Mountain (Phoenix) 4 p.m.
Central (Illinois, Texas) 6 p.m.
Eastern (New York) 7 p.m.
Sydney Australia - Monday 10 a.m.
Auckland - Monday 12 p.m.
Contact: njturner@earthlink.net
Norma’s Room: https://zoom.us/j/3499782616
Monday October 18th 2021/ Tuesday October 19th Australia
Dream Circle with Kim Parker
A small group meets every two weeks - to share and explore the meaning of their dreams. Times: Los Angeles 1 p.m. Monday
Phoenix 1 p.m. Monday
Chicago 3 p.m. Monday
New York 4 p.m. Monday
London 9 p.m. Monday
Rome 10 p.m. Monday
Melbourne 7 a.m. Tuesday Check time in your city
Email: Kim at kmrainbow57@yahoo.com https://zoom.us/j/7595442928
Tuesday October 19th 2021/ Wednesday October 20th Australia
"Army 4 Love" Gathering Every Tuesday at 3:00 PST Arizona Time.
People share what is happening in our world, how we are dealing with issues, holding each other’s hands, bringing in laughter and love. To bring in laughter each week one person shares a joke. This person then receives a few messages from a loved one they choose to connect with on the Other Side. Debra Martin always ends the gathering with a mini healing meditation. Times:
Los Angeles 3 p.m. PDT
Phoenix 3 p.m. MST
Chicago 5 p.m. CDT
New York 6 p.m. EDT
London 11 p.m. BST
Rome 12 midnight
Melbourne/Sydney 9 a.m. Wednesday
email: Via a form on her website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87968366796
Tuesday October 19th 2021/ Wednesday October 20th Australia
Question and Answers for Developing Mediums series where guest mediums share experiences and tips for developing mediums is held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month US time.
This week Christine Morgan CSNU Times:
6.00 p.m. Pacific and Phoenix time
8.00 p.m. Chicago time
9.00 p.m. Eastern time
9.00 a.m. Wednesday Perth time
12.00 p.m. Wednesday Sydney time.
2.00 p.m. Wednesday Auckland time Check time in your city Coordinator: Wendy Zammit wendyzammit@gmail.com https://zoom.us/j/7595442928
Wednesday October 20th 2021/ Thursday October 21st Australia
Automatic Writing and Mediumship Discussion
Share resources and discuss what participants are experiencing
1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Times:
5.30 p.m. Pacific Time PDT
7.30 p.m. Illinois CTD
8.30 p.m. New York EDT
1.30 a.m. Wednesday London
11.30 a.m. Thursday Sydney AEDT
1.30 p.m. Thursday Auckland NZDT Check time in your city Coordinator: Sheila Lowe sheila@sheilalowe.com https://zoom.us/j/7595442928
Wednesday October 20th 2021/Thursday October 21st Australia
Physical mediumship development group
Every Wednesday
with Rob Blackburn and Craig Hogan
Participants sit in a darkened space in their own homes; the group has been going for some time and members are experiencing phenomena. Times:
8 p.m. Central time; CDT
9 p.m. New York; EDT
6 p.m. Pacific Time; PDT
12 p.m. Thursday Sydney/Melbourne time. AEDT
2 p.m. Thursday Auckland NZDT Check time in your city
Contact Rob Blackburn (rkblack@mtco.com) or Craig Hogan (r.craig.hogan@afterlifeinstitute.org) before joining the group.
https://zoom.us/j/4381898190
Saturday October 23rd 2021/ Sunday October 24th Australia Spiritist Literature: Directed Study
A free Zoom group about Spiritism, Kardec and Chico Xavier meeting on Saturdays at 3 p.m. Central time.
Topic - Moral Laws The Spirits' Book – Part III
Pacific time and Arizona - Saturday 1 p.m.
Eastern time - Saturday 4 p.m.
Sydney time - Sunday 7 a.m.
Auckland - Sunday 9 a.m. Check time in your city
Co-ordinator: Ana Castro
Just click this link to join.
CRAIG MCMAHON: CAN THEY HEAR ME AFTER DEATH? Craig McMahon started his career in 2004 producing Lionsgate thriller movies but later moved into focusing on family films. He writes, directs, edits, and is the camera operator on all of his films. In 2017 he started a new label, Inspiriter Films, which focuses on positive uplifting stories. Inspiriter is also producing a slate of documentary films.
GATE A4 - TAKING THE TIME TO SHOW KINDNESS TO A STRANGER by Naomi Shihab Nye Wandering around the Albuquerque Airport Terminal, after learning my flight had been delayed four hours, I heard an announcement: “If anyone in the vicinity of Gate A-4 understands any Arabic, please come to the gate immediately.”
Well—one pauses these days. Gate A-4 was my own gate. I went there.
An older woman in full traditional Palestinian embroidered dress, just like my grandma wore, was crumpled to the floor, wailing. |
Help,” said the flight agent. “Talk to her. What is her problem? We told her the flight was going to be late and she did this.” Read more.
ARI HAS A MESSAGE FOR US: "YOU ARE GOING TO SEE THEM AGAIN"
Ari was 5 years old when she and her family were swept up in a violent tornado. She was the only survivor. But during the experience she was reunited with her family in heaven and came back with some surprising details - including seeing her grandfather who died before she was born and seeing her father with hair.
FEEDBACK:
(Three only).
1)
"I loved your commentary post, Victor. I can relate this in our country, the dissatisfaction by some materialists (politicians)who want to keep govt. position to remain in power for their self- interest at the expense of poor and innocent people". Rotsen
3) "Loved Pim Van Lommel's conclusion that science has to incorporate what it now calls anecdotal evidence, that is human testimony. Looking forward to that day!"
Kim
3) "First, thank you so much for your extraordinary report each week. Your dedication to posting every week allows so many people, like myself, to discover resources that we never would find on our own. I look forward to it every Thursday evening when it pops up in my inbox!" Suzi.
BRILLIANT,
HIGHLY INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC Eva Cassidy's haunting voice turned her into a star - five years after her death from melanoma at age 33. While she was alive she never got further in life than temporary jobs and rented flats, a bus ride from the house where she grew up and where her statue stands. Yet now when people hear her singing they dissolve into tears at the delicacy of her phrasing and sweetness of her voice. Listen to her exquisite version of "Songbird".
Whilst we encourage and we publish many papers and
reports by afterlife researchers, we are not in a
position to guarantee the accuracy of all claims.
We accept the imputed claim that the afterlife and
paranormal research done by the researchers is done
in good faith. ALL WORK IS COPYRIGHT BY THE CONDITIONS
SET AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE ON COPYRIGHT.
FRIDAY
AFTERLIFE REPORT 
We can assess the credibility of mediums who bring through survival evidence by its specificity and accuracy. But what about those who claim to bring though spiritual teaching and information about the afterlife and other dimensions?
"We never say to you: "Do not use your reason: have faith only." We say: "Use that which the Great Spirit has given you. Test us. Examine us. If aught that we say is debasing, cruel or immoral, then reject us. If we seek always to teach you to live nobler lives, lives of greater self-sacrifice and of idealism, then surely that demonstrates that the hall-mark of the Great Spirit is stamped upon our teaching." 
"Anatomically, just exactly the same as yours does. We have muscles, we have bones, we have sinews, but they are not of the earth; they are purely of spirit. We suffer from no ailments - that would be impossible in the spirit world. Therefore our bodies do not require constant looking after to maintain a state of good health. Here our health is always perfect because we have such a vibrational rate that disease, and the germs that cause it, cannot enter. Malnutrition, in the sense that you know it, cannot exist here, but spiritual malnutrition - that is, of the soul - does most certainly exist. A visit to the dark realms and their neighborhood will soon reveal that." (Mons H. Benson)
unconscious level. When John Wesley wrote to Emanuel Swedenborg that he was about to leave on a six-month trip, but would like to meet with him upon his return Swedenborg said that it would be too late as he would “go into the world of spirits on the 29th day of the next month, never more to return.” Swedenborg died of natural causes on March 29, 1772, even though he still appeared in good health and gave no signs of dying beforehand. He had, in advance, also told his landlady and maidservant of his departure that day. The latter said that he seemed pleased at the prospect, “as if he was going to have a holiday, to go to some merry-making.”
We are so fortunate to be living in this time when there is an explosion of information available about what REALLY happens when you die. There are many organisations and people that can help those who are grieving to realise that death is not the end of the relationship with our loved ones. 
Windbridge Research Center Executive Director Mark Boccuzzi, Community Advisory Board Members Patricia Pearson and David B. Metcalfe explore how experiencing contact with the dead transitioned from what was seen as common in the folklore of cultures worldwide to Freud calling such experiences “wishful psychosis.” These types of experiences are still not well-received within the currently dominant paradigms and establishments. Patricia calls this “a tragic suppression of a vital part of our cultural experience.” 
Journey of the Soul Discussion Group
Spiritist Literature: Directed Study
Global Gathering: My Spiritual Journey with Trance Medium Alan Cochrane
Every Sunday 
Los Angeles 1 p.m. Monday
"Army 4 Love" Gathering Every Tuesday at 3:00 PST Arizona Time. 
series where guest mediums share experiences and tips for developing mediums is held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month US time. 
Automatic Writing and Mediumship Discussion
Physical mediumship development group 
Spiritist Literature: Directed Study
Wandering around the Albuquerque Airport Terminal, after learning my flight had been delayed four hours, I heard an announcement: “If anyone in the vicinity of Gate A-4 understands any Arabic, please come to the gate immediately.” 
FEEDBACK:
(Three only). 