COMMENTARY: PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED THAT THE AFTERLIFE IS SOLID!!
It seems that while the existence of the afterlife is being more accepted in mainstream, most people have no idea of what that life is like. You often hear people say "He's resting in peace" or "She's gone to a better place." Some even say "Grandma is up there looking down on us."
But even though our culture has moved on from the idea that the dead sleep until Judgement Day, or sit on a cloud playing a harp, many people have adopted the Eastern idea that we become formless consciousness, all-knowing, without a body and detached from emotions.
Most would be surprised to learn that Grandma now looks about 23, lives in a house with a garden, has a job that she loves, is taking music lessons, has a couple of dogs and is leading a very busy and productive afterlife.
So how do we know all this? It's a big question that we will start answering in this and the next few issues, going back over some of the key sources which are always a joy to revisit.
CONVERSATIONS WITH A LOVED ONE THROUGH INDEPENDENT DIRECT VOICE
Can you imagine having a two-way conversation with your 'dead' partner where they speak in their own voice for half an hour? You talk about people you both know and things that are happening in both your lives. Their voice is loud and clear and independent of the medium and can be heard by the other people in the room. The conversation is even tape-recorded.
This is what happened to Dr. Dinshaw Nanji, an Indian Doctor who lived in Sweden, when he traveled to London in 1971 to sit with Leslie Flint, the famous direct voice medium. Dr. Nanji's wife, Anni, had died five years previously, and he was desperate to contact her. After that first session, he continued to travel to London twice a year for further sessions for the next 12 years until he was too frail to travel.
Fortunately, we have more than 66 remarkable tapes of their sessions. They talk in casual conversation like any married couple. Anni tells Her husband that she now looks about 20 years old and that he will also be young again when he joins her. She says he comes to visit her very often when he is asleep and cannot understand that he does not remember. Dr. Nanji said: "This wasn't someone impersonating my wife, it was my dead wife who knew so many things unknown to the medium, Leslie Flint."
In this tape of a session, dated 3rd March 1971, Dr. Nanji talks with his wife about some business dealings and confirms that he hears her tapping at home to get his attention. She suggests they set up a code and then suggests they try for EVP communication. She describes her home and friends in the spirit world, her dog, and her parrot. She confirms that Dr. Nanji comes to visit her when he is asleep."
THE WOODS-GREENE COLLECTION The spirit world organised a 20-year project to bring hundreds of people from all levels of society to answer questions about the conditions they found themselves in when they died. Everyone from Queen Victoria (pictured) to George Wilmott, a twice-divorced rag and bone merchant, spoke at length in their own voices, using the energy of direct voice medium Leslie Flint. Look at the incredible range of speakers.
GEORGE OLSON - "HOW MARVELLOUS IT IS TO BE DEAD"
In the recording below, Leslie Flint is sitting with his friends, Betty Greene and George Woods, when they all hear the voice of George Olsen, someone who used to sit in their mediumship circle, coming from mid-air. His memorable introductory lines were: "I'm very happy. I wouldn't come back if you offered me all the gold in China!" and then "People should consider themselves lucky the day they kick the bucket!"
NEVILLE RANDALL'S BOOK "LIFE AFTER DEATH"
Journalist Neville Randall spent two years sifting through the Leslie Flint recordings, listening to voices of the "dead" describe how they died and what they do now. He selected the most interesting and evidential and summarised their messages to provide a detailed account of life beyond the grave in the words of people who live there. The book is now available in a new Kindle edition.
Read more.
"THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH"
Douglas Conacher, 20 years older than his wife Eira, died on June 6, 1958. A few months later, Douglas spoke with Eira through Leslie Flint. We have recordings of their regular conversations over the next few years and two books they authored together about the spirit world with both their names on the cover. Douglas talked about the existence of hospitals, reception areas, the conditions of newly arrived souls, architecture, and the effect that the mind has on colors that are used for architecture. He says that souls need to eat in the lower spheres but as they progress they find food is no longer necessary. Qualifications are required to be a teacher, just as on Earth. The way of life reflects life on Earth until one gradually becomes more developed and moves toward higher spheres. There is gardening in the afterlife and flowers grow as high as trees. People sow, plant, and reap in natural soil. He describes the extraordinary colors, perfumes, and auras of flowers. Read more about skills and interests in the afterlife.
HOW ARTHUR FINDLAY DISCOVERED THE AFTERLIFE Today Arthur Findlay is remembered as one of the most respected modern leaders of British Spiritualism who donated his home, Stanstead Hall, to become The Arthur Findlay College. But in 1918 he was a successful stockbroker who, while walking alone one night in Glasgow, came upon a Spiritualist Church. From there he received an invitation to attend a direct voice seance the following night, and it was physical medium John Sloan's seances that convinced Findlay that the afterlife is real. Later he confirmed his observations of John Sloan with direct voice medium Etta Wreidt and by working with Edward Randall who had spent twenty years with direct voice medium Emily French. Read an online copy of Arthur Findlay's book about his experiences with direct voice mediumship On the Edge of the Etheric and see the chapter on Spiritualism in his autobiography Looking Back.
SOME OF WHAT THE SPIRIT COMMUNICATORS TOLD ARTHUR FINDLAY (through the direct voice mediumship of John Sloan).
“All in the same plane can see and touch the same things. If we look
at a field, it is a field to all who look at it. Everything is the same to those in
the same condition of mental development. It is not a dream. Everything is real
to us. We can sit down together and enjoy each other’s company, just as you
can on earth. We have books and we can read them. We have the same
feelings as you have. We can have a long walk in the country, and meet a
friend whom we have not seen for a long time. We all smell the same aroma
of the flowers and the fields as you do. We gather the flowers as you do. All
is tangible, but in a higher degree of beauty than anything on earth. Here we
have not decay in flower or field as you have. Vegetable life just stops
growing and disappears. It dematerialises".
(from "Looking Back" p. 215)
Read more descriptions of the spirit world in Arthur Findlay's The Way of Life
WHAT ARE EARTHBOUND SPIRITS? Around the world, some cultures believe a person’s spirit can be trapped on the Earth after they die. This phenomenon can be referred to as earthbound spirits. In this webinar, you’ll hear from Dr. Helané Wahbeh and her panel guests as they share their insights on earthbound spirits from scientific, clinical, and personal perspectives.
HARRY STAYED CLOSE TO EARTH WHEN HE DIED One of the Leslie Flint recordings is of a spirit named Harry, who turned up at a Leslie Flint sitting in 1957. Harry says that he didn't believe in an afterlife and when he died, he stayed around his friends. He went to pubs and then realised he could now travel the world. But no one could hear him, and no one could see him, so it was a lonely existence as an Earth-bound spirit. After some time, he sensed another spirit following him, so he found a quiet place and sent out a thought asking for help. Read or listen to what happened.
CYRUS KIRKPATRICK AND MEDIUM SUSANNE WILSON DISCUSS MYTHS ABOUT THE AFTERLIFE
Susanne Wilson and Cyrus Kirkpatrick, plus an audience share their experiences including their out-of-body experiences, subjective vs. objective realms, objective sight of 'spirits', meeting Montague Keen during an experiment, when philosophizing increases grief. Susanne gives unexpected readings of live audience members and more. See Susanne's website for details of ways you can study with her.
RECOGNITION OF LOVED ONES ON CROSSING OVER
How will my child recognize me when I cross over - he died thirty years ago when he was just five years old.
We are informed that there will not be a problem. First, the child would have been looked after by relatives or specialists from the afterlife and given all the love normally given to a child. The child would be given education as if he/she was on the earth and brought to visit you. But just as important, it has to be remembered that we go out of our physical body when we sleep and visit our loved ones in the afterlife. So the parents could maintain a close relationship with the child until they cross over.
For more on children in the afterlife see a compilation of messages through famous mediums of the last century in The Children's Sphere, part of Steve Beckow's New Maps of Heaven.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIE: DR. PENNY SARTORI Penny Sartori is a British medical researcher in the field of near-death studies and deathbed visions. She worked as an intensive care nurse for seventeen years, during which time she cared for many patients who were close to death. She talks about her book "The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences."
Saturday July 29th 2023 / Sunday July 30th in Australia
Spiritist Literature: Directed Study with Ana Castro.
A free Zoom group about Spiritism, Kardec, and Chico Xavier. See videos of previous meetings
Times:
Pacific time 1 p.m. Saturday
Phoenix time 1 p.m. Saturday
Mountain time 2 p.m. Saturday
Central time 3 p.m. Saturday
Eastern time 4 p.m. Saturday
London 9 p.m. Saturday
Rome 10 p.m. Saturday
Sydney/Melbourne 6 a.m. Sunday
New Zealand 8 a.m. Sunday
Check time in your city
Co-ordinator: Ana Castro
Just click this link to join.
Sunday July 30th 2023/ Monday July 31st Australia
Global Gathering - Signs from Spirit When Diane Calderon’s only child, Matthew, was killed in a tragic accident while crossing the street with his dog, she could have been excused for giving up on life. Instead, her new book "Living and Loving Life All Day Every Day" is a road map to a step-by-step journey from inconsolable grief to connection with Matthew, connection with a wonderfully supportive community, and a new sense of purpose being of service to others.
Joseph M. Higgins, a medium and teacher of mediumship, has brought relief and comfort to countless people over the year. He has become an expert on signs our loved ones send us and has written four wonderful books on the subject:
1) 'Hello...Anyone Home? : A Guide on How Our Deceased Loved Ones Try to Contact Us through the Use of Signs' (2009)
2) 'Always Connected for Veterans: Deceased Vets Give Guidance From The Other Side' (2013)
3) 'I Got Your Message: Understanding Signs From Deceased Loved Ones' (Always Connected Series). (2014)
4) Always Connected: For those who have lost Children (2020)
Spiritualism Today with Dr. Norma Turner Every Sunday - a combination of 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: Pacific 4 p.m. Sunday
Phoenix 4 p.m. Sunday
Mountain time 5 p.m. Sunday
Central (Illinois, Texas) 6 p.m. Sunday
Eastern (New York) 7 p.m. Sunday
London 12 midnight Sunday
Sydney/Melbourne time 9 a.m. Monday
New Zealand 11 a.m. Monday Check time in your city
Contact: njturner@earthlink.net
Norma’s Room: https://zoom.us/j/3499782616
Monday July 31st 2023 / Tuesday August 1st Australia
Kim Parker's GOSH A small group of people meet every two weeks to share and explore the meaning of their dreams. All welcome.
Times:
Pacific Time 2 p.m. Monday
Phoenix 2 p.m. Monday
Mountain Time 3 p.m. Monday
Central time 4 p.m. Monday
Eastern time 5 p.m. Monday
London 10 p.m. Monday
Amsterdam 11 p.m. Monday
Sydney/Melbourne 7 a.m. Tuesday
New Zealand 9 a.m. Tuesday Check the time for your city
Email: Kim at kmrainbow57@yahoo.com https://zoom.us/j/7595442928
Tuesday August 1st 2023 / Wednesday August 2nd Australia
Debra Martin's Army 4 Love: Every 1st Tuesday/Wednesday of the month
Army4Love Gathering welcomes all with compassion and love and embraces everyone, particularly those who may be suffering from emotional, physical and other psychic pain. Debra enables all to safely share their experiences in her Sacred Space. In every Army4Love Gathering Debra welcomes Spirit to speak through her to the group. Each gathering will focus on a relevant topic, and Debra will ask the group to virtually hold one another in the Spirit of hope, healing and love. Debra will also provide a mini-healing for the collective at the end of each gathering. Debra’s intention is that Army4Love will help you have a greater perspective and understanding regarding your adversities while helping you release and alleviate pain.
EMAIL: Via a form on her website to avoid spam: https://www.goldenmiracles.com/contact.php
Times:
Pacific time 3 p.m. Tuesday
Phoenix 3 p.m. Tuesday
Mountain time (Denver) 4 p.m. Tuesday
Central time 5 p.m. Tuesday
Eastern time 6 p.m. Tuesday
London 11 p.m. Tuesday
Rome 12 midnight Tuesday-Wednesday
Melbourne/Sydney 8 a.m. Wednesday
New Zealand 10 a.m. Wednesday Check time in your city
Join Zoom Meeting @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87968366796
Tuesday August 1st 2023 / Wednesday August 2nd Australia
What If? With Cheryl Page
First Tuesday/ Wednesday of every month
Cheryl Page is a medical researcher and medium who dares to ask questions about what is possible with mediumship. She suggests that we inadvertently cut ourselves off from the nearly infinite possibilities that Spirit brings when we are rigid about the “right” way to practice mediumship and is looking for interested mediums or those developing to join her in some fascinating experiments.
Times:
Pacific Time 6 p.m. Tuesday
Phoenix time 6 p.m. Tuesday
Mountain Time 7 p.m. Tuesday
Central Time 8 p.m. Tuesday
Eastern Time (New York) 9 p.m. Tuesday
London time 2 a.m. Wednesday
Sydney/Melbourne 11 a.m. Wednesday
New Zealand 1 p.m. Wednesday Check time in your city
Co-ordinator: Cheryl Page
Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2716017767?
pwd=aGtML2h3d3I5bW9GYnMxQ05scjF3Zz09
Meeting ID: 271 601 7767
Passcode: 54321
Wednesday August 2nd 2023 / Thursday August 3rd Australia
Automatic Writing and Mediumship Etc. Discussion with
Sheila Lowe
Share resources and discuss what participants are experiencing
1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Times:
Pacific Time 5.30 p.m. Wednesday
Phoenix 5.30 p.m. Wednesday
Mountain time 6.30 p.m. Wednesday
Central time 7.30 p.m. Wednesday
Eastern Time 8.30 p.m. Wednesday
London time 1.30 a.m. Thursday
Perth 8.30 a.m. Thursday
Sydney/ Melbourne 10.30 a.m. Thursday
New Zealand 12.30 p.m. Thursday Check time in your city Coordinator: Sheila Lowe sheila@sheilalowe.com https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87248527074?
pwd=cXNNZERDbGtSc3VWU3hCQ05OSlFndz09
[if the room is not open email Sheila]
Wednesday August 2nd 2023 / Thursday August 3rd 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.
Pacific and Arizona time 6 p.m. Wednesday
Mountain Daylight time 7 p.m. Wednesday
Central Daylight time 8 p.m. Wednesday
New York time 9 p.m. Wednesday
London 2 a.m. Thursday
Perth 9.a.m. Thursday
Sydney/Melbourne 11 a.m. Thursday
New Zealand 1 p.m. Thursday Check time in your city THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT TAKING NEW MEMBERS
Email r.craig.hogan@afterlifeinstitute.org
Thursday August 3rd 2023 / Friday August 4th 2023 Australia
August Goforth:Exploratorium.
August, a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, leads a participatory "Exploratorium" where readers of the book "The Risen" will be encouraged to offer ponderings and ideas on grief and growth. Free pdf copies of the book are available here.
This group is now meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.
Times:
Pacific time 12 noon Thursday
Phoenix 12 noon Thursday
Mountain Daylight time 1 p.m. Thursday
Central Daylight time 2 p.m. Thursday
New York time 3 p.m. Thursday
London 8 p.m. Thursday
Sydney/Melbourne 5 a.m. Friday
New Zealand 7 a.m. Friday Check time in your city
Contact: Glangley@mcn.org
Thursday August 3rd 2023 / Friday August 4th 2023 Australia
Afterlife Book Club with Gary Langley
1st Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. California time. Book of the month for August Bill and Judy Guggenheim's Hello From Heaven.
OUR LOVED ONES IN SPIRIT CAN MAKE SUGGESTIONS WHICH INFLUENCE US
In the most unbelievable series of coincidences the Universe delivers an incredible outcome - or perhaps it was helped by suggestions from our loved ones in spirit.
"IS IT TRAGIC TO DIE"?
This has been the most frequently asked question these last 30 years. Here is how a highly credible afterlife teacher, Silver Birch answers this question directly from the afterlife: "To die is not tragic. To live in your world is tragic. To see the garden of the Great Spirit choked with the weeds of selfishness and greed and avarice, that's tragic. To die is to enjoy freedom of the spirit, which has been imprisoned behind the bars of the material body. Is it tragic to be released from suffering, for the soul to come into its own? Is it tragic to see wonders of color, to hear music that does not belong to material expression? Is it tragic for repressed genius to find the means of expressing its latent gifts? Do you call it tragic to express yourself in a body that has no pain, to be able to roam all over the world of matter in a flash and to taste the beauties of the spirit life too?"
(from "A Voice in the Wilderness," chapter 1 To Die is not Tragic Ed.'91)
LOVE IN ACTION - KINDNESS RULES
FEEDBACK: Huge thanks to eveyone who sent such lovely feedback.
1)
"Just wanted to tell you how much I truly sincerely and deeply appreciate the work you and Wendy put in every week for all of us struggling to make sense of this chaotic human existence. Your report is like a drink of the sweetest nectar and just calms and uplifts me every single time. Thank you for all that you do. Thank all of us for knowing that there is so much more than this troubled human suffering. Life truly is beautiful the moment we allow it to BE. Have a lovely day ahead". Soe Moe
2) "I enjoy all your reports but this one is particularly good! Thank you!" Shirley
3) "This is absolutely beautiful! I LOVE " LIFE IN THE WORLD UNSEEN", and have recommended it to many people . It's so frustrating sometimes to hear people insist that when we die, we become blobs floating on a cloud".
Michele
4) "One of the best yet, you two. I have a friend whose husband is dying - what a gift this is for them both. Special thanks for this, and for all you do. XX" Analise
THE INCOMPARABLE ENYA - ONCE YOU HAD GOLD
Lyricist Roma Ryan wrote about the song in the album’s promotional box:
For some, it will be the memory of darkness and their journey through it. Looking back to the walk though winter into vernal days. Knowing that all things must pass; both good and bad.
For others, it is the mother reassuring her child. The ways of the world hold both darkness and dreams. Every day has its ending and every night its new dawn. And, although Summer sheds to Winter, days will once again become bright.
[Verse 1]
Once you had gold
Once you had silver
Then came the rains
Out of the blue
[Chorus 1]
Ever and always
Always and ever
Time gave both darkness and dreams to you
[Verse 2]
Now you can see
Spring becomes autumn
Leaves become gold
Falling from view
[Chorus 2]
Ever and always
Always and ever
No-one can promise a dream come true
Time gave both darkness and dreams to you
[Interlude]
[Verse 3]
What is the dark
Shadows around you
Why not take heart
In the new day?
You might also like
La Soñadora
Enya
Tea-House Moon
Enya
Only Time
Enya
[Chorus 2]
Ever and always
Always and ever
No-one can promise a dream come true
Time gave both darkness and dreams to you
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. ALL WORK IS COPYRIGHT BY THE CONDITIONS SET AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE ON COPYRIGHT.
FRIDAY
AFTERLIFE REPORT 
COMMENTARY: PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED THAT THE AFTERLIFE IS SOLID!!
Fortunately, we have more than 66 remarkable tapes of their sessions. They talk in casual conversation like any married couple. Anni tells Her husband that she now looks about 20 years old and that he will also be young again when he joins her. She says he comes to visit her very often when he is asleep and cannot understand that he does not remember. Dr. Nanji said: "This wasn't someone impersonating my wife, it was my dead wife who knew so many things unknown to the medium, Leslie Flint."
The spirit world organised a 20-year project to bring hundreds of people from all levels of society to answer questions about the conditions they found themselves in when they died. Everyone from Queen Victoria (pictured) to George Wilmott, a twice-divorced rag and bone merchant, spoke at length in their own voices, using the energy of direct voice medium Leslie Flint. 
NEVILLE RANDALL'S BOOK "LIFE AFTER DEATH" 
Douglas talked about the existence of hospitals, reception areas, the conditions of newly arrived souls, architecture, and the effect that the mind has on colors that are used for architecture. He says that souls need to eat in the lower spheres but as they progress they find food is no longer necessary. Qualifications are required to be a teacher, just as on Earth. The way of life reflects life on Earth until one gradually becomes more developed and moves toward higher spheres. There is gardening in the afterlife and flowers grow as high as trees. People sow, plant, and reap in natural soil. He describes the extraordinary colors, perfumes, and auras of flowers.
Today Arthur Findlay is remembered as one of the most respected modern leaders of British Spiritualism who donated his home, Stanstead Hall, to become 
One of the Leslie Flint recordings is of a spirit named Harry, who turned up at a Leslie Flint sitting in 1957. Harry says that he didn't believe in an afterlife and when he died, he stayed around his friends. He went to pubs and then realised he could now travel the world. But no one could hear him, and no one could see him, so it was a lonely existence as an Earth-bound spirit. After some time, he sensed another spirit following him, so he found a quiet place and sent out a thought asking for help. 
from the afterlife and given all the love normally given to a child. The child would be given education as if he/she was on the earth and brought to visit you. But just as important, it has to be remembered that we go out of our physical body when we sleep and visit our loved ones in the afterlife. So the parents could maintain a close relationship with the child until they cross over. 
Spiritist Literature: Directed Study with Ana Castro.
When Diane Calderon’s only child, Matthew, was killed in a tragic accident while crossing the street with his dog, she could have been excused for giving up on life. Instead, her new book "Living and Loving Life All Day Every Day" is a road map to a step-by-step journey from inconsolable grief to connection with Matthew, connection with a wonderfully supportive community, and a new sense of purpose being of service to others. 
has brought relief and comfort to countless people over the year. He has become an expert on signs our loved ones send us and has written four wonderful books on the subject: 
Every Sunday - a combination of 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. 
A small group of people meet every two weeks to share and explore the meaning of their dreams. All welcome.
Army4Love Gathering welcomes all with compassion and love and embraces everyone, particularly those who may be suffering from emotional, physical and other psychic pain. Debra enables all to safely share their experiences in her Sacred Space. In every Army4Love Gathering Debra welcomes Spirit to speak through her to the group. Each gathering will focus on a relevant topic, and Debra will ask the group to virtually hold one another in the Spirit of hope, healing and love. Debra will also provide a mini-healing for the collective at the end of each gathering. Debra’s intention is that Army4Love will help you have a greater perspective and understanding regarding your adversities while helping you release and alleviate pain. 
Cheryl Page is a medical researcher and medium who dares to ask questions about what is possible with mediumship. She suggests that we inadvertently cut ourselves off from the nearly infinite possibilities that Spirit brings when we are rigid about the “right” way to practice mediumship and is looking for interested mediums or those developing to join her in some fascinating experiments. 
Automatic Writing and Mediumship Etc. Discussion with
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. 
August Goforth: Exploratorium.
"To die is not tragic. To live in your world is tragic. To see the garden of the Great Spirit choked with the weeds of selfishness and greed and avarice, that's tragic. To die is to enjoy freedom of the spirit, which has been imprisoned behind the bars of the material body. Is it tragic to be released from suffering, for the soul to come into its own? Is it tragic to see wonders of color, to hear music that does not belong to material expression? Is it tragic for repressed genius to find the means of expressing its latent gifts? Do you call it tragic to express yourself in a body that has no pain, to be able to roam all over the world of matter in a flash and to taste the beauties of the spirit life too?" 
FEEDBACK: Huge thanks to eveyone who sent such lovely feedback. 