Volume 4, Issue 4 Happy times at Havant Autumn 2011

One of the important ceremonies carried out at Havant church is the naming service; always a happy occasion, and a chance for our children to become part of the Spiritualist way of life. On Saturday 13 August we held a naming service for Mollie, daughter of Tina and Colin. Mollie follows in her brother, Noah’s footsteps. He was named two years ago at Havant church. We all wish Mollie health and happiness throughout her life on the Earth plane and welcome her into the Spiritualist movement. Church president and Spiritualists' National Union Officiant, Alan IRITUALISTS’ NATIONAL UNION Baker, lead the ceremony. Funerals, weddings and blessings can all be performed at Havant, a church registered with The Home Office. To discuss your needs speak, initially, to any committee member.

Inside this issue: For your information: Emsworth Show 3 Another Open Day? 4 Although ‘Havant Spiritualists’ is available Val Williams 5 without charge, any Festival of Light 6 The Trappings of Christmas 7 donation towards the cost AFFILIATED TO THE SP Havant Spiritualists Library Report 8 of its production will be . What is Spiritualist Healing? 9 gratefully received What is a Circle? 10 Recommended Reading 11 From the Editor

May you live through interesting times. On the face of it a pleasant blessing to give to someone, but in typical Confucian irony, it is an ancient Chinese curse. If you think about it, the only really newsworthy and ‘interesting times’ are those of strife and conflict. We are, indeed, living through interesting times. Since the last issue the internal troubles of Libya, and the Middle East continue. The Afghanistan conflict continues, and financial instability, worldwide, continues. Closer to home we have had our own civil unrest in some big cities, with death, violence and destruction shown on our news channels. We are all saddened by the actions of a very small minority of the population, and our prayers and healing energies go out to those who are suffering the aftermath. But shouldn’t we also send healing to those responsible for the carnage? As abhorrent their behaviour and actions are, surely we must hope that their minds can be soothed and their behaviour moderated, and that any grievance they may have with the rest of society can be resolved in a manner that will have a positive outcome? Talking of positive outcomes, in this issue we report on the Emsworth Show, where we manned a display to encourage passers by to find out more about , and our second Open Day of the year, where we tried something different. We also tell of two events for later in the year, our Festival of Light in December, and a trip to the Brighton Ice Show in January. Keep your eye on the notice board, because we will be announcing details of an extra-special social event in November. The observant ones among you may have noticed a change to the front page of the newsletter—we have a new logo. Recently issued by the SNU it is a more modern and artistic rendering of the original. Both are reproduced below. Do you like the new version? Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy this issue, it is a little later than usual, but a little larger, too—there was just so much to squeeze in!

Kim And in with the new ...

Out with the old ...

Page 2 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS Emsworth Show—29 August

The bank holiday was blessed with fine weather this year, and that meant loads of people out enjoying the fun and interesting stalls at the Emsworth Show. There were bird of prey and dog shows, jiving and country dancing, and lots of charity The Emsworth Team: stalls raising funds Kim, Ruth, Jamie, Heather, Velma, Alan and Maureen (seated) for their causes. At and Benson the far end was the marquee with the flowers and art. Lurking at the side were The Co-operative, Emsworth Maritime and History Society, the local Churches Together and a fitness establishment, Hampshire Police … and us. Our merry band of healers manned the tent and gave healing to all who asked. We introduced spiritual healing to a few who had never had any before, as well as some who knew what to expect. Unfortunately we couldn’t convince the lady PC to come and relax with us - not good for the image, I suppose. We handed out loads of leaflets to passers by. Some had visited a before, and others were interested in something new, and we hope to see them at the Open Day in September. As expected, and hoped, we engaged in some philosophical discussion with some of the show-goers. The Healing team consisted of Alan and Velma, Maureen and Heather, and Ruth and Jamie. Benson was there, too, just to check any abandoned handbags. Julie and Kim did front of house, thrusting leaflets at the unsuspecting as they came within range. We had a good day and hopefully made some more people aware of what Spiritualism is, it would be great if some of them came to the church as well.

Alan chats to some young seekers, while Julie is armed, ready for the next passer-by

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 Page 3 Another Open Day?

Two open days in one year? Unheard of! Well, actually no, we had our second on Saturday, September 24th—and a very good day it was, too! There was a full programme of events starting with Nick Harper’s session about the use of sound and vibration in meditation. He demonstrated the subtle sounds of his ‘singing bowls’ and the audience participated in a short meditation. Another session was led by John Hocking on and all it means, what it is, how it works, and he talked of famous mediums of the past. Between giving private readings, Carianne Reilly gave a demonstration of mediumship. Our second medium, Pet Stowell, was also busy with a constant flow of clients, eager to here from loved ones beyond the veil. Pet rounded off the day with another demonstration session Richard Murphy, our circle leader, gave a talk on the benefit of sitting in circle. He described how it is primarily to develop the individual as a person, and this development may lead on to other abilities. Alan Baker and Nick Harper gave a talk on Spirituality. Healing was available all day and our healers did a great job distributing the energies to those in need. Our ‘sales team’ were busy at the far end of the social room, with Velma selling jewellery and verses, and our librarian, Julie, selling a range of second hand books suitable for those wishing to find out more. Books featured famous mediums, , , Derek Acorah, Rita Rogers, , Gordon Smith, and spiritual guidance, such as some of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Celestine Prophesy. There were a few out-of-print collectors books available, too. The books were a popular addition to the event and sold well, although we couldn’t shift Derek Acorah - looks like we’ll have to put him on the ‘bogof’* list. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the day a success—we made new friends, helped some along their chosen path and raised a few bob** for church funds.

*Bogof - buy one get one free

** Few bob - for those of tender years a ‘bob’ was a term used for a shilling, now 5p. (As used in the Boy Scouts’ ‘Bob-a job Week’ 1949-1999, where Scouts would do tasks in return for a … unlike Jan Velma and Julie were trying to take things seriously ... small donation to their funds)

Page 4 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS The Annual Ice Show—January 2012

Sensuous from start to finish, this production of sheer extravagance and highly charged entertainment looks set to melt the ice. With a cast of over 40 world class skaters seamlessly gliding through smouldering boleros, sultry Latin rhythms, Big Band and high-octane Rock 'n' Roll, this show simply exudes Passion.

Created and choreographed by Olympic champion Robin Cousins MBE, Tropicana celebrates love and life: with extravagant costumes, passionate dances and non-stop music this is one of the most thrilling ice spectaculars you will ever see. Robin Cousins MBE With an original musical score, Tropicana also features interpretations of some of the best loved songs from world-renowned songwriter Barry Manilow, including 'Can't Smile Without You', the iconic 'Mandy' and the one and only 'Copacabana'.

For the first time in Holiday on Ice's history, Tropicana employs a giant, state- of-the-art LED screen as the backdrop to the show, enhancing the action on the ice with a thrilling light show and explosive effects. For the past couple of years we have arranged a trip to the Brighton Ice Show—and again it’s fully booked before we go to print. Watch out for our Spring edition for a report on the action!

Val Williams

In July we were lucky to have a visit by Minister Val Williams, from ‘up north’. She provided a demonstration of mediumship on Saturday 30th and was the speaker at our Sunday service on 31st. She donated a copy of her book, Two Worlds as One, to our library. It is an account of her spiritual development. In it she shares the events that have shaped her life working for Spirit. She tells of good times and those no so good, giving examples of evidence passed from hidden realms, for her, proof that life survives physical death. She has written the book in an unassuming, non-celebrity style, offering support to those developing their abilities, as well as the casual reader.

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 Page 5 Festival of Light—Saturday 17 December

Christmas Banned! During the time of the Great Republic, Oliver Cromwell’s parliament abolished Christmas for over 15 years, as they considered it had simply become a time for over eating and drinking, and the Puritans in parliament believed the celebrations detracted from the real message of the Christ-Tide. Increasingly in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, many people, especially the more Godly, came to frown upon the celebration of Christmas, for two reasons. Firstly, they disliked all the waste, extravagance, disorder, sin and immorality of the Christmas celebrations. Secondly, they saw Christmas (that is, Christ’s mass) as As the evenings get darker and the daytime temperatures start to an unwelcome survival of the Roman drop, our thoughts fall forward to winter. And what is a Catholic faith. A ceremony particularly Spiritualist’s favourite time in winter … ? encouraged by the Catholic church, as a festival with no biblical justification – No! Wrong! Not Christmas! Christmas is for Christians! nowhere had God called upon mankind to celebrate Christ’s nativity in this way, The Festival of Light is our very own celebration of the they said. What this group wanted was a darkest days of the year when we look forward to the coming of much stricter observance of the Lord’s the New Year and Spring. day (Sundays), and the abolition of the often sinful celebration of Christmas, as People around the world have celebrated the time of mid- well as of Easter, Whitsun and assorted winter, around the Winter Solstice, for thousands of years, before other festivals and saints’ days. Jesus was even a twinkle in the sky above Palestine. In the early 1640s, as power In modern times many are returning to the traditional passed to the Long Parliament, the process of clamping down on the celebration of the season, turning away from the gluttony, greed celebration of Christmas, began, and gorging associated with Christmas, and celebrating the joy of pressing that ‘Christ-tide’ (as they family, friends, and the promise of better times in the coming preferred it called, thus doing away with year. the ‘mass’ element and its Catholic echoes) should be kept merely as a day Our Festival of Light, embraces the values once held dear of fasting and seeking the Lord. by those who relied on the changing seasons for their wellbeing. In January 1645 a group of On Saturday 17 December we will celebrate our gratitude for the ministers, appointed by parliament, year just passed, and our hopes for the new year yet to come. It produced a new Directory of Public will be a celebration of the changing seasons, how winter is a Worship, setting out a new church organisation and new forms of worship to time of Nature withdrawing her energy, a time of hibernation and be adopted and followed in England and protection against the cold harshness. And how we look forward Wales. The Directory made clear that to spring, when warmth begins to draw new growth, blossom and Sundays were to be strictly observed as a new season of productivity. holy days, for the worship of God, but that there were to be no other holy days We look forward to seeing you at our Festival of Light on – ‘festival days, vulgarly called Holy Saturday 17 December. Days, having no warrant in the Word of God, are not to be continued’. therefore As sure as eggs is eggs, on the 25th we will all be opening prohibited (on paper at least) the gifts and sharing the fellowship of family and friends, toasting with religious celebration of all other holy alcoholic drinks, stuffing ourselves with fine food and, no doubt, days, including Christmas. feeling the worse for it afterwards (not to mention when the bank In June 1647 the Long statement arrives). But as you celebrate, think about what you are Parliament reiterated this by passing an Ordinance confirming the abolition of the celebrating and why … feasts of Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. Seasons’ Greetings.

Page 6 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS The Trappings of Christmas

Good old Father Christmas record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of The origin of Santa Claus begins in the 4th century Germany. with Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, (Turkey). By all accounts he was a generous man, particularly Celebrations devoted to children. When he dies, around 340 A.D. he was buried in Myra, but in 1087 it is said that The origins of Christmas lay in the ancient pagan texts. Italian sailors stole his remains and took them to Bari, In ancient Babylon, some 10,000 years ago the feast of Italy. the Son of Isis was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and His kindness and generosity gave rise to gift-giving were traditions of this feast. claims he that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased. St. Nicholas became the In Rome, the Winter Solstice was celebrated patron saint of Russia, where he was known by his many years before the birth of Christ. The Romans red cape, flowing white beard, and bishop's mitre. In called their winter holiday Saturnalia, honouring Saturn, Greece, he is the patron saint of sailors, in France, the God of Agriculture. In January, they observed the the patron of lawyers, and in Belgium, the patron of Kalends of January, which represented the triumph of children and travellers. life over death. This whole season was called Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Thousands of churches across Europe were Sun. The festival season was marked by much dedicated to him and sometime around the 12th merrymaking, hence the current definition of Saturnalia century an official church holiday was created in his as ’an occasion of wild revelry or indulgence’. It is in honour. The Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated ancient Rome that the tradition of the Mummers was December 6 and the day was marked by gift-giving born. The Mummers were groups of costumed singers and charity. and dancers who travelled from house to house entertaining their neighbours. From this, the Christmas Christmas Trees tradition of carolling was born.

In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, In northern Europe, many other traditions that both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded we now consider part of Christian worship were begun candies, and coloured paper. long before Christ was born. The pagans of northern Europe celebrated their own winter solstice which lasted The Christmas Tree was brought to England for 12 days, known as Yule. Yule was symbolic of the by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert from his pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed native Germany. The famous Illustrated News etching on the shortest day of the year. As the Sun God grew in 1848, featuring the Royal Family of Victoria, Albert and matured, the days became longer and warmer. It and their children gathered around a Christmas tree was customary to light a candle to encourage Mithras, in Windsor Castle, popularized the tree throughout (the sun), to reappear for the next year Victorian England. It was not until 1835 that we actually had the words ‘Christmas tree’ in our Huge Yule logs were burned in honour of the language. It, too, came from Germany, via Queen sun. The word Yule itself means ‘wheel’, a pagan Charlotte. symbol for the sun.

The tree is the one symbol that unites almost In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth all the northern European winter solstices. Live would be celebrated on December 25. There is little evergreen trees were often brought into homes doubt that he was trying to make it as painless as during the harsh winters as a reminder to inhabitants possible for pagan Romans (who remained a majority at that soon their crops would grow again. Evergreen that time) to convert to Christianity. The new religion boughs were sometimes carried as totems of good was more readily accepted knowing that their feast of luck and were often present at weddings, Saturnalia would not be taken away from them. representing fertility. Christmas (Christ-Mass) as we know it today, The Druids used the tree as a religious most historians agree, began in Germany, though symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which surrounding and worshipping huge trees. The earliest church celebrated it first.

Page 7 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS Library report By Julie Moody

Hi, I’m Julie, the new librarian at Havant SC.

Since taking over the duties of librarian I have spent most of my time checking out what we have, and looking for the best way to use this valuable asset.

Our collection has more than 700 books, ranging from modern titles like Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God, volumes such as Harry Boddington’sback to old classic of Spiritualism, The University written by the famousfirst printed pioneer in 1947.Spiritualists We have like, books Anthony Borgia, , J. , and Sir .

Famous mediums like Doris Stokes and have written books, they grace our shelves, too. There are life histories, channelled words of wisdom from Silver Birch, books about healing and healers, mediums and mediumship, scientific books and religious books. Unlike Kindle ours require no batteries, no internet down loads and look, feel and smell like real books.

, All of the books can be borrowed, we make a small charge to help with costsTwo and Worlds towards any new books. Come to the book cabinet in the social room after any service. Both publications and I will Psychic World be pleased to help you choose something suitable. For those who like their Spiritualist news hot from the press we also sell nearly the oldest spiritualist publication, founded in 1887, and are issued monthly. Speak to me to order your copy of either, or both. We are always looking to buy new books for the library and are happy to receive any

recommendations. If you have any old books by or about Spiritualism or other suitable subject, we would be pleased to have them as a donation so that we can sell them at our Open Day, or —all in the name of supporting the church funds. other events The newsletter editor is always happy to find space for a review of any book that our

readers may find interesting. So why not borrow a book and write a review. I look forward to seeing you after the service.

Page 8 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS What is Spiritualist Healing?

We believe that an energy exists that can relieve most conditions of illness or dis-ease, and this energy can be channelled to a patient via the trained and qualified healers within the church.

We have a strong team of healers at Havant, led by Alan Baker. Spiritual Healing is a process that we can all learn, and there can never be too many healers. The Spiritualists' National Union training for healers is run over two years and covers all aspects of healing; anatomy, physiology, law, processes and procedures. This training can be undertaken at Havant church. A strict code of practice is followed in order to protect both patient and practitioner. Spiritual Healing is not as practised by some Christian cults. No faith is required. The process will, by varying degrees, benefit the patient. The healer does not interfere with any medicine or treatment prescribed by your conventional GP, and will only do, under the guidance of their , what is best for the patient. They will only compliment your doctor’s actions, and are happy to consult with him if necessary. Healing is available at Havant on Tuesdays (from 1.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.) and Thursdays (6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.), and if a healer is available, after the Wednesday and Sunday services. There is no charge for healing but, in the essence of keeping positive energies flowing, a donation to church funds is most welcome. If you know someone in need of healing who does not attend the church, you can ask for their name to be written in the Healing Book. During our Sunday service we spend a short time in quiet contemplation, with the whole congregation sending positive, healing thoughts to those in need, anywhere in the world, focussing on those whose names are read from the book. Please contact any committee member or healer if you would like to know more about Spiritualist Healing, have any questions about the process, or would like to train as a healer. We want you to enjoy the experience of healing, for most it can make a difference.

Page 9 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS What is a Circle? By Richard Murphy

Open, or beginners, circles are to develop you as an individual, to learn about yourself and who and what you are. They are not designed to make you into an instant clairvoyant or medium. Before we can develop in any way we have to understand where, and who, we are. We have to learn to like ourselves. At Havant, we provide the essential support for you as an individual, as no two persons are the same, there cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ when we discuss development. We treat everyone as an individual, there are no beginners nor experts, we are all at different points on our spiritual journey. The leader’s job is to improve your knowledge and understanding, he will give you all the time you need, The beginners circle Is about trying to focus the mind, and developing what I call the RAC method; Relaxation And Confidence. For a person to be able to use their gift, first they must relax, and also must develop confidence, If you don't relax you won't work, or receive, but also if you have no confidence you won't be able to give the message. It's a two stage development. At the circle I do various exercises to bring the best out of people, meditation, wellbeing, and development. We all work as a team, not as individuals, and move together, We are all learning, Do come along and see for yourself, all we ask is for you to have an open mind and not to be judgemental.

The Beginners’ open circle is at the church on Thursday evenings from 8.30 p.m.

Labyrinth The Miz-maze at Breamore, just west of the New Forest. One of the eight remaining original English labyrinths

In the Middle Ages, a walk around a labyrinth would have been a substitute for a pilgrimage to Canterbury, Rome or Jerusalem. But the labyrinth is much older than that. The Greeks first created them 4,000 years ago. A labyrinth is like a maze, but differs inasmuch as a maze has false turns, dead ends and is designed to puzzle and entertain. A labyrinth follows one true path to the centre, and is usually arranged in a circle. While mazes often have high hedges to make it difficult to find your way, labyrinths are laid out on the ground, so you can see your goal at all times, even when the path does not seem to be taking you towards it and, may even be leading you in the opposite direction. Once there were labyrinths throughout the British Isles, often cut into the turf of village greens or close to churches, and their symbolism was powerful. Today there are only eight originals left in England. Seven, spread from North Yorkshire to the New forest, are on public land and easily visited. Having been nicked off the pagans by the Christian Church, labyrinths are now being adopted by those on a post-Christian spiritual quest. (Although not strictly to do with our circle, I thought the symbolism was relevant.—Ed)

Page 10 HAVANT SPIRITUALISTS Recommended reading

A Pause for Thought, Spiritual Teachings We have a new book in the library. This book is fresh from the printer, and is one of a limited edition of 20. The author, John Hocking, a transfiguration medium, has donated a copy to the library so that its message is available to those who seek. The book is a compilation of channeled , given to his mother from her spirit contact before she passed in 2007. The writings were transcribed by John’s father and have not been edited. They are as given to May Hocking during her hours of sitting. Our thanks to John for this interesting addition to our shelves.

Philosophy of SNU Spiritualism Published by the Spiritualists' National Union, and jointly written by Ministers Barry Oates, David Hopkins and Officiant Carole Austin, it is a summary of the current understanding of the Seven Principles, which were laid down more than a hundred years ago. It gives an in-depth explanation of the principles and it is an ideal book for the new seeker, or anyone needing a broader view of what appear, at first glance, to be seven simple statements. Although compiled by members of the Philosophy and Ethics committee, these words are only their view and opinion; the reader is encouraged to consider the Principles for themselves.

Golden Enlightenment II There are a couple of copies of James McQuitty’s updated book available to buy at a discount price of £4 (normally £6.50). This updated edition has 50 questions that those enquiring about the Spiritualist path may ask. He answers these questions fully and in a clear, easy to understand way. The book is suitable for refreshing the more experienced follower, as well as those more recently on the path.

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 Page 11 Havant List of speakers and demonstrators for next month Spiritualist October 2011

Church Date Time Service/Demo Speaker

Sun 2 6.30 pm Service Maureen Bright

AFFILIATED TO THE SPIRITUALISTS’ NATIONAL UNION Wed 5 7.30 pm Service Jill Pickett

Brockhampton Lane Sat 8 7.00 pm Demo Sarah Bowden Havant PO9 1JB Sun 9 6.30 pm Service Dorothy Dent Phone: 07586 421780 (answer phone when church closed) Wed 12 7.30 pm Service Al & Geoff Potts or: 023 9235 8367 email: [email protected] Sat 15 7.00 pm Demo—Psychic Jan Dayton www.havantspiritualistchurch.bravehost.com Art The place to find out about Sun 16 6.30 pm Service Pet Stowell Spiritualism Wed 19 7.30 pm Service Andrew Manship

Sun 23 6.30 pm Service Dennis Jones Editor: Kim P. Moody [email protected] Your contributions and comments are always Wed 26 7.30 pm Service Terry Taylor welcome. Sun 30 6.30 pm Service Geoff Woodhouse

A complete list of speakers and demonstrators for the whole year is available on request Spiritualist Philosophy

Free will, (no, not the movie, that was Free Willy) is ways to deal with it, but which ever option we something we all have. We are told that we have choose, we learn something. ’free will’ to think, say, do, believe whatever we like. If our choice doesn't give us the necessary Deep spiritual thinkers tell us that there is no right learning outcome, the challenge, or one similar, will nor wrong—in that case why bother with all this be presented again, maybe not for some while, but religious malarkey? it will be repeated until we choose to deal, or react, But do we really have free will, or is our life in the way which gives us the knowledge, skill or planned for us and we, merely puppets on a stage? experience we need to progress. Or maybe it is somewhere between the two; the We have the freedom to choose our path, middle way. and along the way there are some terrific views— Let’s say that as Spiritualists we were born enjoy the journey. in this physical body because we need to learn lessons A, B and C. We are not given a route map, nor any directions, nor are we aware while we are here, what it is we need to learn. What we do know is that once we have completed what we are here to do, we can return to our spiritual home, our spirit Let me know what you think about free will—do we world, and continue on our path. have it or don’t we? (or Free Willy, if you’ve seen the movie.) As we grow and progress through this Earthly life, challenges are presented to us. Each Email : [email protected] one an opportunity to learn. Maybe learn from Write to The Editor at the address above, or speak previous mistakes, or learn a skill that can be to any committee member. Your comments and learned no better way. At each challenge we have contributions are always welcome. options, choices, we can use our free will. We can face the challenge or avoid it. There may be other