Catherine MacDonald's Psychic Ramblings...

Working as a medium in Spiritualism since 1994, Catherine strives for excellence in the services she provides. A Spiritually focused psychic reader Catherine provides readings that are uplifting and geared to helping seekers make positive changes in their lives.

Catherine has a common sense/life skills/realistic goal setting approach that has been referred to by one of her regular clients as "counseling with an edge". Catherine works with Spirit to coach people who are looking to redirect their lives in positive directions.

Readings also are a way to connect with your Spirit Guides and Loved Ones in Spirit and can be a great deal of fun too.

Catherine provides a wide variety service to fit both your needs and your budget! For those interested in ordering Psychic Parties, Large Group Events and Private Readings please go to www.spiritualcat.com for more information and convenient online shopping options.

Of late I have been making changes in my blogs. Part of this is to simplyfy and part of this is to prevent a twisted person from posting plagerized text to the comments section of my blog. Now this person did try this tactic on this blog and others and I tried deleting the nonsense. When that did not work I finally responded to it.

Sad part is the person responsible is a Spiritualist Minister who should know better than to do such things... I will say it does show a lack of Spiritual Wisdom and explains much about why the church she runs is having huge problems!

For more on the issue plese go HERE and HERE

Ever had moments in your life where you see people splitting hairs over matters of opinion that cannot be proven one way or the other? Well if you post online in Spiritualism discussion boards you soon discover that the debate over the "so-called" differences between psychics and mediums is one of those endless circular arguments! The public does not make any real distinction and as much as Spiritualist claim there is one they do a really crappy job of demonstrating it. I mean if training and education are key then why are the churches each doing their own thing? Why are there no reputable, standardized Spiritualism Courses/ Education in Canada?

The Simple answer egos and power struggles... But back to this nonsense re the differences between Psychics and mediums... I have seen as many poor demonstrations from church workers who identify as mediums as I have questionable psychics who might be seen as charlatans....

Want more on this subject? Please go HERE.

W5 http://www.ctv.ca/wfive did a frightening story this week about the power of a cult in Hamilton Ontario. This story called "Pied Piper of Hamilton" made me think. It is a story that was aired on W5 this weekend that discusses a Christian cult in Hamilton Ontario.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061027/wfive_pied_piper_061027/20061028?hub=WFive

While cults are more common that we would like to think, and are usually associated with Christian and Muslim splinter groups, no spiritual/religious path is safe. The dynamics that turn a well meaning church group into a potential cult have to do with the human greed and desire for power over others. I found this W5 report fascinating and frightening.

Looking at the program and the sites listed on this blog what did I learn? Well quite simply that "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" as the saying goes. With this in mind, I have begun to understand why some folks look at Spiritualism and define it as a cult. I beg to differ. It is not the philosophical, scientific and religious ideas that Spiritualism is grounded on that make it seem like a cult, rather it is the ministers in power who lose themselves to their desire for money, power and position who can turn what can a healthy meeting place and spiritual lifestyle into a cult.

What are the signs that you or someone you care about is in a cult?

According to Rick Ross, Expert Consultant and Intervention Specialist:

"TEN WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE GROUP/LEADER.

1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
9. The group/leader is always right.
10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

TEN WARNING SIGNS REGARDING PEOPLE INVOLVED IN/WITH A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE GROUP/LEADER.

1. Extreme obsessiveness [sic] regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.
2. Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.
3. Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".
4. Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.
5. Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.
6. Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede [sic] any personal goals or individual interests.
7. A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.
8. Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.
9. Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.
10. Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.

TEN SIGNS OF A SAFE GROUP/LEADER.

1. A safe group/leader will answer your questions without becoming judgmental and punitive.
2. A safe group/leader will disclose information such as finances and often offer an independently audited financial statement regarding budget and expenses. Safe groups and leaders will tell you more than you want to know.
3. A safe group/leader is often democratic, sharing decision making and encouraging accountability and oversight.
4. A safe group/leader may have disgruntled former followers, but will not vilify, excommunicate and forbid others from associating with them.
5. A safe group/leader will not have a paper trail of overwhelmingly negative records, books, articles and statements about them.
6. A safe group/leader will encourage family communication, community interaction and existing friendships and not feel threatened.
7. A safe group/leader will recognize reasonable boundaries and limitations when dealing with others.
8. A safe group/leader will encourage critical thinking, individual autonomy and feelings of self-esteem.
9. A safe group/leader will admit failings and mistakes and accept constructive criticism and advice.
10. A safe group/leader will not be the only source of knowledge and learning excluding everyone else, but value dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

Don't be naïve, develop a good BS Detector.

You can protect yourself from unsafe groups and leaders by developing a good BS detector. Check things out, know the facts and examine the evidence. A safe group will be patient with your decision making process. If a group or leader grows angry and anxious just because you want to make an informed and careful decision before joining; beware." http://www.rickross.com/warningsigns.html

Now while a few of the organizations I was involved with over the years do not fit all the above listed items on the list of unsafe leader/group there are some factors that are red flags to me now. The big one I would say is about the money! "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"

LEARNING FROM MY EXPERIENCE AND SHARING IT-SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Where's it going and who is benefiting from the funds generated from the church? Ask questions and if you think the answers you are getting are fishy then find out why that is. If the church is paying money to members for work or for building rental find out if these folks are claiming the earnings as they should or if they are using the front of "church" status to launder funds. Sounds nuts but does happen so better to find out for sure what is what.

1. Are there proper checks and balances re the bank accounts and is the church having to answer to the proper professionals: Provincial Government, Revenue Canada, External Auditors and Accountants?

If not then the chance of the organization being a cult is very likely. If you are on the board and especially if you have signing authority make sure you know exactly what is getting paid and when with the cheques you sign! NEVER sign over blank cheque no matter how much you trust the leader of the group or the other signing authorities involved. Remember you are financially responsible if something goes wrong and ignorance of what is going on will not be good protection of you if you do end up sued and in court for misappropriation of the church funds! Find out what your responsibilities and rights are do not take the leader's word for it. Ask your lawyer and an accountant and check in with the government too if need be.

2. How is the church registered as a business with the Government? Is it truly a charity or a not for profit organization or is it a business that is making money and not paying its taxes to the appropriate government agencies.

You can call The Companies Branch of your Provincial or Federal Government and ask for details about the specific church you are thinking of attending. This is the branch of the government that is responsible for business registry in your particular province or territory or county depending on what level the business is at. They will be glad to tell you the business status and incorporation date of the organization and any other information they have concerning the said organization. I am sure this also includes any legal and financial problems connected to the organization that have been reported and investigated. By the same token you can call this branch of government and find out how to report any organization that seems suspect. I am sure they will be able to advise you as to what the procedures are for forwarding a formal complaint if you should need to.

3. Is the church attached to a proper Governing/Religious Umbrella Organization like the National Spiritualist Association of Spiritualist Churches in the US or the Spiritualist National Union in the UK?

If the church is "independent" and they have no one to answer to then it leaves the group vulnerable to an egocentric charismatic leader who may or may not have a legitimate agenda for the organization. NEVER get involved with any group that does not have a proper connection to the appropriate religious governing body! There is safety in numbers, solid organizational structure and regulated standards that have to be met.

Not all Spiritualist Churches are alike but the best adage is "buyer beware", and "don't leave your common sense at the door" if you do choose to become involved. Do you your own research. Ask questions and make sure the answers you are given make sense and indicate a solid integrity of the organization.

And if my experience is common within Spiritualist circles, then education (or the lack of it) makes little difference. Controlling, charismatic Ministers and the groups they try to build for their own egocentric purposes are successful because they play their psychological head games out over time! Being psychically sensitive can help you navigate these kinds of situations, but true mediums/psychics do not read for friends, family or themselves because they are often too close to the situation. Get an external perspective be you psychic or not! Ross is right you really do have to be a good BS detector and make sure you check things out for yourself as you go along! Find out the right questions to ask and make sure you get answers. If the answers you do get set off red flags and things seem fishy they likely are and the only way you can know for sure is to check things out for yourself or get the right people in to do so. Most of all follow your gut/intuition in these situations if something does not sit right with you it likely isn't right. I followed my feelings and got out in good time and now know that if I ever go back to a Spiritualist church I will be asking the right questions to the right people and if I don't like what I hear I will not ignore my feelings. I will just not get involved and will report suspect organizations if I have enough evidence to do so.

While it is possible to learn to change thought patterns and in that what we say and do, the struggle for most of us is that we do not really cope well with change. It is a daily struggle and it seems that it is even more challenging for folks who are wrapped up with title and self perceived power and right to control others to truly live by the spiritual principles they profess to live by. Again it seems they pontificate about Natural Law and PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and yet these notions seem to apply to everyone but themselves.

It seems that those that are insecure and need titles and to control others are the least likely to make the necessary changes. Now this is almost expected with politicians and other leaders in the secular world but it is also a problem in the spiritual community as well. It seems that the very Reverend who is supposed to be a guide to others and not caught up in title and material greed is the worst offender in spite of long winded pontifications as to how others should live their lives, develop their spirituality and mediumistic gifts and use these to help others in the world around them. Now it is fair to say that all people including those propping themselves up as spiritual leaders are flawed, but it can also be said that if you look closely as to what is going around these folks you can get a good idea as to their true intent and focus.

In Spiritualism the issue has always been poorly educated, insecure leaders trying to build themselves up through exerting as strangle hold on their congregation. They love the power that derive from their title and the attention they get from working as a medium. Then there is the issue of money. My experience in many different churches has shown me that most of these leaders are money hungry, jealous and conniving if the truth be known. So why do people bother with Spiritualism? Well like any other religion the principles are sound even if the leadership leaves much to be desired. If you are interested in Spiritualism the best thing you could do is to attend several churches and find a medium you like and trust to teach you what they know and see if you can find a well organized home circle to attend. Do not get totally involved with one church. Doing this will mean that you will soon find your life consumed by the agenda of the above described spiritual leaders who are all about taking care of their own needs first. Visit many churches and keep your options open. Do not let any one tell you how to walk your walk with spirit. Let spirit guide you. Read the books that draw you and go to the churches you feel most comfortable in. The idea is that Spirit will be with you wherever you find community and fellowship. Community and fellowship does not require that you become tied to any one church.

Spirit contact was discovered and experimented with in home circles. Then it split in two paths: Psychic Science Research groups and the Spiritualist Churches. Both are useful to the seeker in learning how to work with their own psychic abilities and developing as a medium and a healer. While I feel it is essential to have positive spiritual focus to be a strong medium how you develop that spiritual relationship with your guardian, guides and teachers is between you them and God. It cannot be dictated to you by anyone who proclaims that they are your teacher. While we do learn from those around us and the shared experience will help us form our relationship with our spirit helpers, it is not just ONE teacher that will have an impact on us. You will have many teachers in various areas in your life at the same time. This is especially true of spiritual development. Various guides and teachers will come in when needed to convey the right message or idea that will help you on your path. While working with a knowledgeable Spiritualist is helpful if you are exploring Spiritualism do not become indoctrinated in anyone’s way of thinking. They are only a person just like you and you do not want to give anyone that kind of power over your spiritual development. Ask questions, find good reading materials, discuss what you are reading and thinking with many different Spiritualists to get a range of views and connect with Spirit and know that you will be guided. Your connection to Spirit will be unique and individual just like you are and no one teacher has all the answers and more importantly NO ONE has the right to tell you that you must DO IT THEIR WAY. If you come across this kind of control freak who is professing to be a teacher remove yourself from that situation as soon as possible!

The best teacher is one that knows that he or she does not have all the answers and that there is still much to learn. They usually are secure in their position in life and respect the views of others who they help to guide. They should be well educated in many areas of life not just Spiritualism and they should be able to adapt to the needs of you and others they teach.

Wherever you go for spiritual development have a good look at how the leader conducts him or herself with others. If they gossip or bring up past problems in Spiritualism or their lives all the time then know that these folks have much work to do and that you will only be able to learn so much from them.

If the person you are learning from is truly secure and together they will not constantly drudge up hurts from the past and will be able and willing to forgive those who they feel have wronged them. Just releasing hurts is not enough. If you release the hurt without forgiveness of the one who hurt you, you are only putting out the negativity of the experience into the world around you and that hurt will not leave you but only repeat itself in your life. Forgiveness is the energy that neutralizes the negativity of the hurtful situation and allows you to truly get on with your life.

So whether you need Cosmic Triggers in your life or you know that the energy works by Natural Law and is a moment by moment ongoing process the focus is still the same. We are each PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE for the energy that we create and as we create it will return to us in kind be it positive or negative. It does not need to be any more complicated than that.