by LYNN RUSSELL

<<<

BEFORE eager anticipation created a tension, the gentle voice had commenced to speak.

“This is a very memorable evening. We have long wanted to speak with you on these lines. If

I am not coming through as I would like, it is because in some ways I am unused to speaking

often. My appearances are rare, yet I am often with you. I have never made it a habit for

various reasons to speak at length, and if tonight I do not say all I would wish, it is because

time and power do not permit, and many things are impossible to put into words. For we who

come from This Side of life, thinking as we do purely and solely on spiritual lines, find it

difficult to portray in words things of Spirit and of Truth.

“Nevertheless, I and all of us here are constantly with you, particularly when you come

together to do the work of Spirit. To develop the power that you may be of service and do

something to enlighten those who are unenlightened. To give light where it is needed. To

bring comfort to those who are sad and lonely. To bring conviction to those who have lost

hope, and to give to those who listen the realisation that God is. God is Love. Love is the

only solution to the world’s misery and unhappiness. “The world today lives in fear.

Tremendous power is brought to bear on mankind, a power of darkness and evil which Man

himself has developed through centuries of wrong living and wrong thinking. We often hear

Man say ‘There is no God!’ but Man is responsible for all that transpires. Man has created in

your world all the tragedies that have befallen it, through malice, intolerance, hatred and fear,

and brought into being all the unhappiness from which you have suffered.

“Today, more than at any other time, the voice of Spirit is needed to guide those who hold

the destinies of the nations of the world. We come with a great force, a great purpose, to

unlock the closed minds of men that we may give forth the Truth, the Way of Life and the

Wisdom, so sorely needed.

As always we cannot reach the so-called wise, the so-called clever ones! As always through

generations of time, the power of the Spirit has gone to the lowly, and to the humble. So it is

that we come to use those who are termed fools, and unwise, that through them the Truth

and Wisdom of the Spirit can come, and the ways of the world may be changed. Man in his

ignorance has placed his so-called wise men in high places and the fools follow them, not

willingly but like sheep. We have listened to the bleating of the lambs that have been brought

to slaughter through time immemorial; countless souls here before their time, unready,

unprepared.

“You, who are the so-called simple, are the wise ones. For you know of the Wisdom of the

Spirit and your heads have not been crammed with earthly knowledge which will pass away

and be of no account. It is Spiritual Knowledge that will open the doors of Heaven and make

you free. We want to bring this knowledge and truth to the world, that the men that are like

sheep and the materially-minded men may be set free, and not be sacrificed on the altars of

wrong gods, to wrong living and to wrong priests who worship lower forces and who are

material at heart.

“There is one path of progress. God’s path; Our path; YOUR path. These rulers “—here the

soft voice became almost scathing— these men of power, these men of wisdom, without

Spiritual Grace, without Spiritual Wisdom or Knowledge, can in their foolish ignorance and

through fear, throw the world into chaos.

“We come to you, knowing you,” the change of direction in the voice implied that he looked

round at each one of us, and then continued with great tenderness, “Small, insignificant you.

Yet, nevertheless, it is you and others like you that can save the world!” A tone of urgency

was creeping into his voice as he said, “Why have we knocked at the door of your

consciousness for so long, and others like you? Why? Through you can come revelation and

salvation. Why do I and others like me come to you in this fashion? Because we work for

God and His people, irrespective of colour, class, or creed; we know no barriers of any

description. Love overrides all barriers created by Man. “I see myself through generations of

time, through many in carnations in many guises and in many places, and I know that this

has been my task. To endeavour to show love, to express love, to experience love, and

through love bring all kinds of people together in harmony and peace. These things have

been my task as indeed they have been the task of many souls in our Group. You are our

instruments and we are brought together for this purpose.

You have known of me, and I of you, in past times. Now you are still of me, and I of you. We

are one spirit although we are separate in ourselves, and because of that one spirit which

flows through us all, we can forget ourselves; in humbleness only do we find our true selves,

and in love our true service. You are ‘bodies’ in a material world yet you are with me, One in

Truth and Spirit. WE ARE ALL OF THE SAME SOUL GROUP. One day when I have more

time at my disposal I will describe and explain this to you more fully. Meanwhile I ask you to

be content and in spite of complications and things that puzzle you above all remember this:

In my incarnations, and particularly in my last one, I was given life in a material sense to take

part in a Plan (of which you are a part) to bring people together, and strange method though

it was, yet through those who love me, my work continues. When I say ‘who love me’

remember I say it in humbleness of spirit and without pride of any kind; love me not as

myself but the God power that shows through me, as an expression of Him.

“Where true love exists on the Highest Plane, we are expressing the love of God. So in love

we were brought into being, and in consequence by doing His work together we have found

each other. We share service together and so we will find our true rewards in harmony and

peace in God. God bless you.”

John leaned towards me. “Lynn, was that Rudy?” he whispered in an amazed voice. “Yes,” I

said, trying to hide my own astonishment, “he said we had to aspire to the Heights, but I

never realised . . .“ The voice took up the thread again. “Names in themselves are of no

consequence. We are baptised, we live and have our being and we are known by what we

are, what we have become, what we have achieved, or perhaps by what we have not

achieved. When we die we are as the dust of the fields. The flowers blossom upon our

graves and the trees bend low, yet, we are not as we were; we are but a memory.

“Memories are sweet, but that which lasts for ever is of God and it cannot die. That aspect

which is of the Soul, the Spirit which is us, returns to Him. The name is nothing, it is only a

memory. When the ground is covered over, all that was of the Earth is now forgotten, but the

part which goes forward and upward and reincarnates in other forms is of God and remains

to do the Will of the Most High. There is no darkness now, only light. That which seemed to

be darkness, when pierced with Wisdom is illumined and we see, as it were, clearly.

We have seen with the eyes of Spirit, we have heard with the ears of Spirit, and felt the touch

of Spirit. All is clear and wise . . . no fear no doubts. There is the realisation that . . . what

was dead is risen.” His breath was becoming laboured as he tried to use the waning power.

“The morning sun is risen, the earth is warm and the birds fly in the heavens. There is

stillness and peace upon the Earth and beauty all around. God gives beauty and new life,

and in all life there is a breath of God. But we who come to you all live in your hearts and in

your memory, not only in what we have left behind, but more important still, we are with you

in your hearts, in your minds and above all in your spirits. In consequence we are united. To

those who are conscious of this there is no darkness because they have become soulillumined.

That Light will never fail you while your love, trust and faith remain. “Rejoice in

these things, the illusions shall fade. Live in realities, the mirage of the desert is there no

longer. . . . I have to go now. . . . Bless you all.”

Later I wrote these words in my records: “There is nothing I can add to this night’s revelation

except the fervent prayer that we may be worthy of the task that lies before us.”

In view of our cancelled holiday we had booked a sitting for Rudy’s birthday, May 6th, when

we should have been in Castellaneta, and following so soon after our introduction to the

higher aspect, it proved to be particularly interesting to find that he adjusted himself to the

occasion.

On our arrival that evening we met Gwen Vaughan who was on a visit from the North and

Leslie suggested that she should join us. It was to be her first experience of Direct Voice,

and with two sitters from Leslie’s own circle we made a party of eight. Mickey started the

séance in a real party spirit and surprised Gwen by saying be had seen her before and he

did not mean at “Flint’s.” What was more he had known a long time ago that she would be

present at a sitting!

Keeping in mind that the truths revealed to us are not for a privileged few but are applicable

to every living soul, I particularly want to mention one incident manifested by Dr. Marshall,

who gave us a wonderful example of the power of love especially when it concerns an action

performed with true sincerity. Anthony was not able to come with us to this meeting but he

had sent a flowering plant for Dr. Marshall, as a small acknowledgement for his help during

the first eye operation. The plant was on a side table in the séance room, and after Charles

had spoken for a while he ended by saying: “I had hoped that Tony would be here tonight,

but would you thank him very much for the plant. I will keep it alive as long as I can on your

side, but tell him that I have an exact replica Here, and I treasure it very much.”

Until that moment I had not fully grasped the significance of a token of flowers given in loving

memory of someone, and his words were truly enlightening. How comforting is the

knowledge that flowers placed in the home or laid on a grave with sincerity of feeling, and not

because such a tribute is expected, are actually received and kept in some instances by our

dear ones in their own spheres. Love is the power that makes this transference possible by

transmuting thought-action into spiritual reality.

As if to enlarge upon this new understanding, one of the sitters from Leslie’s own circle

asked Mickey how people in the Spirit world felt about birthdays. Did they remember their

earthly anniversaries in the same way, or was their passing into the world of Spirit the

equivalent of a birthday? Mickey replied in a quiet and serious voice: “Birthdays do not mean

much to us on This Side, as Time is purely material, but we remember them through you.

After all a birthday is an awakening, a re-birth, and when you think of us we are conscious of

your thoughts and of your love. To us, however, every day is a birthday! We never cease to

wonder at the beauties before us. Life for us is a continuous joy, always being replenished

with different flowers, new buildings, different colours and harmonies.

The life of Spirit is ever changing. It is like the opening of a gate into a wonderful garden with

a beautiful view. We are never tired either physically or mentally, we are overjoyed and never

unhappy because we are with beauty all the time. All is love, and where love is supreme

there must reign supreme peace, happiness and harmony. No one need ever worry or have

regrets about those who have passed over. They have gone to a wonderful world, and to

those who love there is no separation [much of this was directed towards Gwen, who had

suffered a recent bereavement]; love is of the Spirit and cannot change. . . anyway, don’t get

me started on this!” Mickey suddenly broke off, and twice a woman’s voice tried without

success to make itself heard, “Jenny, Jenny. . .“ but she could not hold the link. Then came

Flo Ziegfeld and chatted for a little while; as he left there was a moment’s pause and then:

“Hello! Hello! I’m sorry I’ve been so long in coming.”

“That’s all right,” I said, and this remark was followed by “dead” silence! After a moment I

continued, “Well, this is a nice welcome, Rudy, I must say! It is very good of you to come and

speak with us.

I must explain that we did not realise the position when we made these plans for tonight.” But

Rudy interrupted my apologies. “I would not have missed coming to speak with you all

tonight for anything. I have been looking forward to it every bit as much as you have, and I

am very conscious of the love you send me. The last time I spoke to you I tried to give you

some indication of the things that are now more important to me, and which I hope will

become as important to you.” A little later he said, “I tried also to explain that there is only

one thing that is vital; that is love. It supersedes and overcomes all other factors, and if you

think and act with love in your heart you cannot fail, for always you must do the right thing.

When you love you are doing God’s work. In my own small way I was able to do something

in that direction, and it is love that brings us together and makes us one.”

He encouraged us to ask questions which he said he would do his best to answer, and this

brought us to the work of the circle which he dealt with in detail, finally pointing out the

difficulties that we would encounter. “There are those,” he said, “who will not accept and who

will not believe; there are those whose minds are closed, whom you cannot reach, either

because they cannot understand or are not ready to receive. Nevertheless, you must

persevere and if sometimes it seems you are wasting your time, remember that there is no

such thing as wasted time when you are serving. Even though the service may not be

appreciated you are working for love, and when the time is ripe the seed that is sown

gradually grows and blossoms forth.

“We do not always see the results of our labours, any more than a man who has laid out a

garden, is able to see in full the results of his handiwork in his own time; very often he

doesn’t, but it blossoms just the same and gives pleasure and happiness to others. So it is

that the good works you do, always come to fruit.”

I asked about my daily sessions and told him quite frankly that I had doubted myself at times,

especially when I had sensed his influence. “There are many things that are difficult to

understand,” he replied. “But you do receive inspiration from me, and from Others. Oh, don’t

you see there’s more in this than you realise?” His voice became eager and enthusiastic.

“Not just you, but the others too who have been drawn close to me in a kind of way which

has puzzled them. They have not realised either that there was more in it than seemed on

the surface. What is it that holds us together and brings you still to the memory of me?

It is something of the Spirit, surely! It is something of the SOUL! Not of the outer senses or

appearances that belong to memories, although they may remain sweet in the mind. Those

who have touched my soul, in return I have touched theirs, for we are all of one Father. And

to you, who have sensed me as I am, and have been drawn to me in love as you all have, I

reciprocate the love and we are indeed one. These things are strange, and there are

mysteries that cannot be explained. Now, I understand fully things I didn’t understand when I

was on Earth. There was something I had to do. I didn’t realise it. I didn’t desire it. I had no

wish whatever to become what I did, but circumstances (if you so like to call them) placed

me in that position. But I know now, I could have done nothing else!

“In a way it brought joy and happiness to many souls—especially to the lonely. In

consequence they reached up a little, and together we have been able to bring them

Knowledge and Experience, which was something far removed from the surface. The certain

work I had to do, was to bring (in my own fashion) comfort and happiness to many whom I

never knew personally, but whom I do know now in a spiritual sense, and I know that my

work achieved its purpose. They reached out to me and in return I have reached out to them,

and so am able to help them.”

He spoke at great length on intolerance and prejudice, ending with these words: “The

barriers will be broken down between our two worlds. From the world of Spirit we come like a

mighty surging force into the hearts and minds of men everywhere. There are many souls

who will be chosen as instruments, who will proclaim this Truth and bring peace to your

world.

“It is always difficult to express exactly what I want to convey. Words are such inadequate

things! How can one depict in words, that are hard and cold, things that are spiritual? You

are living in a world that is constantly causing you unhappiness; you are never sure of the

future and often you feel as if you were suspended in space and cannot be certain of what

will happen next.” We agreed wholeheartedly with him, and as he spoke again his voice was

full of expression, the direction of sound altered slightly and we knew he was looking round

at each one of us: “I just want you to realise that in spite of all these things and the

unhappiness in your world, in spite of the loneliness or the sadness of your personal lives,

you are surrounded by a host of souls who come in love. Those who have seen the Light of

God’s Countenance and the Way of Life. They come back to you because they want you to

know: you are not alone. Not for one second of your day, or your night, are you alone!

“There are those who love you. Those who have been your companions in the years that

have gone, and whom you have loved in your earthly ways. Those whom you have not even

met …but whom you love. All are conscious of your thoughts, your fears, your needs, and

they come that you may be comforted. I assure you, you are well cared for, for you are our

brothers and our sisters.

“We have cast aside all the things that held us down to the Earth and made us slaves to

material things. Now we live for Truth, for beauty and for the sake of love in which we are all

one. Remember you are indeed with us, part of my spirit, part of our Spirit, and together we

will progress to Eternal Wisdom, Truth and Joy. God bless you all.”

As this narrative progresses, certain statements may cause uneasiness in the mind of the

reader, as for instance the words which Rudy uttered, “You are not alone, not for one second

of your day or your night are you alone.” To those who face the burden of loneliness those

words will be a great comfort; to others not so desolate the inference that we are never alone

may cause dismay, or even resentment, and I hasten to explain and later to demonstrate this

marvelous co-ordination of care without intrusion. One incident has already been mentioned;

that was when Dr Marshall expressed regret that he had not known earlier of Anthony’s eye

condition, but those nearest to Anthony and attuned to his mental wave-length (for want of a

better word) had not been aware of the trouble, for the simple reason that he had not

registered any agitation in connection with it.

By this it is clear that the slightest inflection in the frequency of the auric and mental

vibrations, due to sorrow, fear, pain, or danger of any kind, by sounding the warning note will

bring the necessary help immediately from those nearest to us. But intimate and personal

actions, emotions and thoughts are not subjected to observation, unless we wish to make

these disclosures. As contact with the Spirit people becomes part of your life, you find that

you gladly relinquish all claim to personal reserve, as there is no need for it except when

dealing with your fellow human beings.

In the weeks following this contact with Rudy, Stanley was used often for conscious control

during our sittings at home. On one occasion John asked how one could assess one’s

progress, as he felt he was not achieving anything. To this Rudy replied through Stanley,

“Faith and love are fuel to the flame of the lamp, so let your light shine forth on all who come

into contact with you. Work in harmony and judge your results by your service to others. Let

this be your yardstick, every day bringing you nearer your goal and slowly but surely nearer

to God. All people, whether evolved or not, have to be taught, but only when they are ready,

when the mind is ready to receive. Some seed would fall on stony ground and die, but these

serve to test the patience and tolerance we are trying to achieve. In order to judge your own

progress look back through the years to what you were. Compare yourself as you were, to

what you are now. Set up an ideal and try to attain that ideal in your daily life.”

By the end of May we noticed that Jean was not looking well and often she experienced

severe spasms of pain. She did not seem to be responding to the medical treatment she was

receiving, so when we gathered together each week we spent some moments in requesting

that healing forces should surround and strengthen her. One evening John was shown

clairvoyantly a quantity of exquisite rubies which prompted him to ask their meaning. No

doubt these were shown to encourage me to open out my innermost thoughts because

during the healing meditation I had “withdrawn” Jean into the seclusion of the Ruby Temple.

The idea of the Temples of the Jewels was given to me during my prayer sessions by mental

impression over a period of weeks, and originally I enlarged on the theme by using my own

imagination regarding the surroundings of the Temples. I did not see any of these structures

clairvoyantly until the moment came for me to describe them to the circle, when I saw the

whole sequence of Jewel Temples from a distance. On the particular night in question I

described only two, the Ruby and the Topaz, but I will incorporate the others here and now

as I interpreted their significance.

“Emanating from the heart of the Ruby Temple and diffused from within the stone itself are

the red magnetic forces of the Earth, giving out the passionate strength and warmth of love.

The Temple and its surroundings convey the more spiritual love in various shades of soft

pink. If anyone is weak, depleted or weary, imagine you can bring their sleeping form into the

Ruby Temple, so that vitality and power can be absorbed and the whole vibrant living force

of creative love.

“The first of the Temples and the entrance to the spiritual life is that of the Topaz, emitting

the golden light of Spiritual Knowledge. In your thoughts and prayers ask that those whose

minds are closed, or steeped in materialism, may be awakened and refreshed in this symbol

of the sun. To me it appears that the forecourts of these lovely places are made of all the

delicate shades of the jewel enshrined within, the structure of the Topaz Temple being

composed of honey-clear amber which blends in perfect harmony with the profusion of

flowers in a hundred different tones of the same colour. Uninhibited by season or habitat

there blossoms forth from tropic and temperate zones alike a glorious array of mimosa and

jonquils, primrose and jasmine, and flowers never seen by mortal eyes.

“The edifice of the Temple housing the Ruby seems to be fashioned of pink jade, corals, rose

marbles and garnets. It lies cushioned in a pink haze of flowers; oleanders and roses,

begonias and lotus. The attendant jewels in order of ascendancy are: the Emerald,

representative of quiet meditation and the world of Nature; the Sapphire, Temple of Healing;

and the softly glowing Amethyst, of Spiritual Wisdom. In your moments of upliftment, take

yourself and those who need help to these quiet courts, where the pools are still reflections

of peace, harmony and grace, and where the sparkling fountains will fill you with vitality, joy

and thankfulness.

“These Sanctuaries are not only places of colour and beauty. Each one evokes an emotion,

each one emits its own particular perfume and melody, and the whole wonderful chord when

played in unison can hardly be imagined. Seen from a distance . . . as I am seeing them now

. . . they are like a rainbow necklace against the green slopes, stretching up to the mountain

peak. Here, moonstone, pearl and opal lie prelude to the Temple of the Diamond, ever open

to the Higher Spheres.

“When your thoughts return—as return they must—bring back with you the memories and

the’ essence of these experiences in order to strengthen the power within.” In this manner I

confided my method of meditation to the circle. But of course all must find expression in their

own way and make their own beauty according to their advancement. It would seem that the

lesson to be learned from this kind of meditation emphasises the art of retaining the wonder

of soul-experience and in giving out this quality to others. It must be understood that nothing

we do in Spiritualism, whether it be in the act of communication, meditation or prayer, should

afford personal escape, but rather a renewed effort to face life; and eventually, by contact

with the Spiritual Teachers through a medium, or by personal inspiration from them, which is

the natural and ideal way, fear and ignorance will be removed, and so there will be nothing

from which to escape.

It was June 9th, 1958, exactly two years ago to the day when we had first gone to Leslie’s

and heard that we were to start our training with Stanley as the medium, and this period of

time was the subject of our conversation when we held our home circle on this anniversary.

Rudy conveyed his presence through Stanley almost immediately by saying, “Our path was a

path of slow progress, of sure progress, and we must be prepared to sow only the seeds. We

may not be able to see the outcome of the Plan, or indeed even to know the part we played

in it. When an army is in the field,” he reminded us, “the individual does not usually know the

plan of the general, and in this case the General is God. So each one must play his part in

confidence, trust and faith.”

No one could deny that we had confidence! We were obviously achieving the conditions set

out by our guides, and we congratulated ourselves on our tolerance of each other’s

idiosyncrasies. Our next sitting with Leslie was booked for June 17th and we waited for this

date with something not unlike smug satisfaction. Our tape recorder was faulty so we asked

permission to borrow Leslie’s, and it was arranged that Stanley should buy the tape and

bring it along to the sitting in the evening. It was not until we were on the point of setting up

the recorder that we found that the tape Stanley had bought was a size too small, which

meant that halfway through the séance Leslie would have to stop the machine and reverse

the tape on to the lower track. He was quite prepared to do this, but said that his machine

was a bit tricky at times, but he would do his best.

Inwardly I was fuming. Stanley looked uncomfortable as Jean glowered at him, and John

said nothing—but thought a lot. We passed it off with a few humorous jibes of the female

variety! On the surface we had all taken the mistake in good part. Once Mickey’s cheerful

greeting fell on our ears the incident was forgotten, especially as Mickey seemed so

concerned with Jean’s health. She had been to the hospital and they had diagnosed her

trouble as nerves and given her some medicine, but Mickey was not to be put off and he said

she should have an X-ray, because it was best to make sure. Then he turned to me: “How

are you, Blondie?” So he greeted each one, returning again to Jean, “We must get old Jean

put right, you know.”

I admitted that we were getting anxious about her and our healing efforts did not seem

effective. “So your healing is defective, not effective, eh?” He gave a little amused snort.

“How are we doing, Mick?” Stanley asked. Mickey summed it up in one word. “Lousy!” This

cryptic remark was met with astonishment from us, and a stifled laugh from Leslie. “Well,

aren’t you?” queried Mick. “Your minds are too disturbed, the conditions are all wrong, not so

much between yourselves, but around you. Jeanie isn’t well and you are naturally

concerned. This is understandable, but your minds are not as placid as they should be; then

there is Tony to contend with! You have a set-to in the home and think that it can be

dispelled in a few hours! Time is nothing to us, Time is nothing where mental things are

concerned, so it is all around you, nagging at your mind and within your subconscious. Tony

tries, but he doesn’t always succeed and then you get het-up and the air’s thick with it! Can

you honestly say that there is peace and quietude in your hearts, in the home, or even in

your outlook?

“It needs a great deal of co-operation, loving understanding, and the realisation of your own

shortcomings. You must try to mend your ways—I know it’s easy for me to talk! But you must

try harder. Eliminate ‘self’ and bring the things that matter to the front.” I don’t know how the

others felt, but I could have crept under the carpet, never mind about being on the carpet!

Charles followed Mickey and for nearly a quarter of an hour he spoke to Jean. Her condition

was certainly a nervous one but due to a serious disorder. However, forewarned was

forearmed, and he advised her to give up going to work no matter what inconvenience it

caused. He encouraged her to insist on having an X-ray for her own peace of mind, as he did

not want her to jump to conclusions and imagine that she would have to undergo endless

operations and spend much time in and out of hospital.

“You see,” he said to Jean, “I know you, and I know your mind and what you are thinking,

and I can assure you there is no growth but . . . if this were to continue, the constant irritation

can cause much trouble. These things all start by overstrained nerves, anxiety and worry, so

to assist us all, try to put your mind at rest and relax all you can.” Then he gave his attention

to us. “I know we must seem to ask the impossible of you when you have all this on your

minds. What with the boy, money worries and now Jean . . . we do realise that it is not easy

to cut out material things even for an hour or so, but the circle that is going to make real

spiritual progress and achieve the Heights must have a peaceful at-oneness. We have great

aspirations of the highest spiritual level for you, so do not get too despondent when we say

conditions are not quite right. We know you are trying, and we help you in a material way to

get the young man settled, to help Jean and eventually make possible the highest spiritual

communication.“

There is one word in the English language which we do not always put into action . . .

Tolerance. It is an old cliché to say ‘Everyone has the right to live his own life’ but how often

do we live up to it? How often do you ‘give and take’? How often do you ‘make allowances’

for the difference in temperament, the difference of circumstances and character? If you feel

irritable, and if you feel like being sarcastic, just try to count up to five before you give vent to

your tongue.

“You are so intense and anxious that everything should be in order—take tonight for

instance, and the tape!”

“Do you mean that registered?” I exclaimed.

“Oh yes,” he replied, “very much so. If you could see your auras sometimes! Perhaps they

are beautifully tranquil, then someone makes an innocent remark that unintentionally hurts

one of you, then you should see the aura! The way it shivers and shakes and gives off darts

of light . . . you’d be surprised.”

It ensued later in the conversation that this shattering effect on the aura took place when we

roused John from what appeared to be sleep during our sittings, and Charles said, “What are

you going to do, then? Throw him out of the circle because he goes to sleep? If you’ve any

sense you’ll let him ‘sleep,’ for all you know he may be the one to produce the phenomena.

He is a great asset to the circle and we draw a lot of power from him, and when you bring

him back to awareness suddenly, it doesn’t help us.”

Mickey had just started to speak again while Leslie was struggling to change the tape over in

the dark—suddenly there was a flash of light as he pressed the button of the lower track,

then another! Leslie swore softly, and Mickey’s voice whispered hoarsely, “Sorry, folks . . .

that’s torn it. . . . Good-bye . . . God ble.. He could not even finish the sentence.

Never before during a séance had I been so aware of Rudy’s presence as I was at that

moment of enforced silence, and a wave of sympathy seemed to surround us. Later, over a

cup of tea both Jean and I found great difficulty in hiding our emotion for we realised that a

trying time lay ahead for her.

In regard to the spiritual development about which we had been so confident, it would seem

that we had hardly begun our mountain climb, slipping and sliding on the foothills and falling

victims to every hazard of daily life. It had always been a boast of mine that I never took

offence at anything that was said provided it was the truth, and a truthful verdict had been

passed on us that night by Charles and Mickey. It was a rather sad and chastened little

group that betook itself home from Leslie Flint’s that summer evening.

AT last we were fully aware of the great change that must take place before we could expect

any further progress, a change that would not only affect the four of us, that would be

comparatively easy, but also concern the two children, Anthony and Jean’s daughter

Barbara, products of this modern age where “self “ comes first, and “I want” is the key to life.

However, their knowledge of this subject would no doubt be a help to them, and any real

effort on their part to co-operate with us would naturally be met with an immediate

appreciation.

About this time a lecture given by Ram-a-Dahn also provided an opportunity to ask for his

formula for attaining Tranquillity. His advice was to begin with the home, to create peace

within the family, in the whole atmosphere of the house, and then in the room where the

sitting was to be held. If it meant a rush to wash, change, dust the room and arrange the

flowers before the sitting, then he advised the minimum effort. When the circle had gathered

together he counselled each member to extend thoughts of love to the other sitters no matter

how different the characters might seem on the surface, because a level of complete unity

must be reached. Having obtained this, the next step was to send out welcoming vibrations

to those who come to teach us, joining with them in a prayer of gratitude to the Great Power

that makes the communication possible, and finally to hold thoughts of happiness and

serenity in the mind throughout the whole proceeding.

Now our sittings were no longer an event confined to one night a week, because we began

to prepare on Tuesday morning for the following Monday evening! Each day was a new

challenge, each irritating incident a further test, each clash with opposing personalities an

opportunity to let the spiritual light within shine forth, and after the first enthusiasm had spent

itself we failed more often than we succeeded. But the fact remains that gradually success

outweighed failure.

One evening within a few minutes of the circle going into silence I became conscious of a

new condition of awareness and I perceived “Rudy-Plus,” but I could not see his features for

in the moment of recognition the light round his head and shoulders was too bright; yet I

knew him. I was struck by the odd fact that his arms glowed from within, as if the material of

the spiritual body was made of a translucent substance which in turn gave off a pale golden

light. It was a great mental effort to rise up to meet him, and the light confused me in spite of

the fact that I was not exactly “myself,” being lighter and more vital in every way, dressed in

simple robes devoid of colour, whereas Rudy was wearing a brilliant blue cloak over white

robes, held in place a little below one shoulder by a large heart-shaped ruby. This is the only

way I am able to explain his appearance, but it is not a true description, because it gives the

impression of material texture, of something that has to be put on like a cloak, but to be

precise the garments were composed of light with clearly defined edges. It was this hyacinthblue

colour that impressed my memory. It is a shade that I have never associated with him,

but since that particular evening I have seen him on two other occasions in a similar cloak.

As I approached him, he turned me round to shield me from the brightness and I stood

poised above the way I had come. He spoke “voicelessly” as if instructing me. Then I sped

downwards until I stood in cold, drab surroundings at the entrance of a cave that was dark

and uninviting. I walked inside. Moisture dripped from the slimy roof, and near to me and

stretching into the uncertain depths were several huge stalactite formations.

I was no longer alone for strange once-human forms were moving in the darkness, and from

behind the nearest column peered grotesque faces that belonged to poor dreadful creatures

who gibbered as they sensed my presence, though fortunately they were not aware of me

visually. The “voiceless” enquiry reached my consciousness, “Are you afraid of them?” “No,

Rudy. . . provided you are there,” I added hastily as one came nearer than the rest, “I am not

afraid of them. I could not love them. . . but I do feel compassion.” I felt the warmth of his

thoughts encompass me. . . and I was back in the silence of the circle.

It was then that Stanley spoke the only words he uttered the whole evening and it was to say

he had been shown, at that moment, a beautiful red rose and I knew I had not failed a rather

difficult test. Everything had depended on the continuous silence of the circle, and for the

others it must have seemed a very uneventful evening, until I described my experience.

In July, John and I had a sitting with Leslie, and although Jean was free to come with us we

purposely went alone, because we wanted to ask Charles about her health. She was no

worse, but certainly no better. When he announced his presence, I began to bombard him

with questions. In regard to Jean, Charles made no secret that there could be serious trouble

ahead, and he told me that I must force her to ask for an X-ray, adding, “I can do a great deal

to alleviate the discomfort but the source of the irritation must be removed.”

To my self-condemnation for wasting so many years before seeking the Truth, he said, “It is

often the way; it is towards middle life that a person is drawn into spiritual work; that is

because one is not always ready in early youth.” To the outburst of queries regarding our

future work he said, “The Plan of which you are a part, will be revealed when—you— are—

ready! Sorry! But it must be so. In the process of waiting you will receive great

encouragement; meanwhile you must persevere, use your judgement and discretion. Time

and experience will prove many things. We are quite content just to drift along because we

know that it will be several YEARS before you see the final results to your way of thinking!”

Now I launched into the intricacies of the Soul Group, and I asked if it was composed of

seven or nine evolved Beings, who had been fourteen or eighteen Individuals each having

incarnated as different personalities throughout the ages. In other words, f it was the reverse

of material creation, where two become four and so on. Evidently my interpretation was not

exactly right, but he said, “To illustrate the point, it may be said that a Group can run into

thousands, or it can consist of a very small number, according to its spiritual state.

Personally,” he said, “I think numbers are confusing. Things of the Infinite cannot be

numbered. You are a very old soul, you are all old souls belonging to the same Group, but

you are all working on different levels. You have not yet met many on This Side, nor many on

your side, but in time you will be amazed. You may not remember those whom you met in

other lives, yet there is a link between you, an attraction that may puzzle or even disturb you.

Each life is a separate part of the whole, and when you arrive at a certain stage you may be

grouped together with others of like progress, and so evolve from there. Sometimes in the

search, in the desire to reach a certain stage, one becomes over-anxious to find Truth, and it

is quite easy to destroy faith in yourself and in others too by your relentless searching. It may

even be dangerous.

Truth is not something to be uncovered or unearthed, it is already there. In the process of

seeking you may go along wrong channels. Many people go in the wrong direction and then

it is not easy to find the way back. Yet the Truth is before them, right within them. Time will

reveal many things. God bless you, and give my love to the others.”

Then came Teresa, followed as usual by Rudy who told us that all those who came to help

us were very conscious of our thoughts in the circle, even unspoken thoughts, and soon we

would understand that there were ties which stretched beyond Time and Space; ties which

are forgotten, yet being of the Soul are vital and indestructible. He enlarged on the necessity

to fulfill our destinies naturally, and he explained that it was only possible to give us a

glimmer here and there of our past lives, because if we knew too much our response to the

influences of the present life would not be a true one. We would be acting on the surface, or

artificially. Then he went on to say how useless an examination would be if we knew what

the test was beforehand. “But gradually,” he said, “you will see how we have worked with

you, how we serve you, how we develop and inspire you to do much. You will see how you

are linked with me in the Past and with others like me. In God’s time and not before, the Plan

will be revealed to you. Ask your questions—but do not always expect the answers!” After

this profound statement he bade us farewell.

The following Monday evening I saw, clairvoyantly, a young woman in medieval costume

with long fair hair which hung to her waist in plaits threaded with ribbon. The flimsy veil which

covered her head was held in place by a small gold crown. I could not prevent myself from

exclaiming, “Oh, how I dislike this period!” Through my consciousness came R’dy’s voice,

and this time I was able to speak the words aloud as they came to me. “You must learn to

accept suffering to gain experience. Some incarnations must bring this to everyone. Try not

to build a resistance against certain times and places that are not welcome to you. There

must be loneliness and physical separation, there must be fear and sorrow, because nothing

would be learned if happiness were always found.”

Then John said that he saw me in a white dress which made me look rather dumpy, and

because of the lace veil and decorations of posies he felt it was a wedding dress. The

sensation aroused by his description did not fill me with exuberance, and I shuddered.

Suddenly, there was a sharp rap on the chest of drawers at my side, and I knew I must

describe aloud the scene before me, which had no relation to what we had seen a moment

previously.

“I see a white goat covered with a cloth of gold and garlanded with flowers. It is being led

forward in a service of thanksgiving. There are many wonderful people in my line of vision.

They are serene, exceptionally tall and graceful. The men wear their hair shoulder-length,

and there is a narrow band round their heads composed of small flowers like daisies. These

flowers are worn to signify the type of ceremony which is taking place. They are walking

towards a temple, their robes are very plain, decorated only by the symbol of the sun on their

breasts. I want to say, ‘The People of the Sun.’ They surely are not of this world, or if they

are it must have been long before any recorded history. Everything conveys beauty,

harmony and advanced intellectual knowledge.”

Now I watched as one of those in the procession blew a blast on a strange instrument that

was curved like an elephant’s tusk and of a similar colour. In the centre was an elongated

globe pierced with tiny pipes made of gold, and against the ivory-coloured horn it looked like

a golden pineapple. The sound, just one single chord too lovely to describe, rippled over the

heads of the people like the chimes of crystal-silver bells (if that can convey anything as to

purity of sound). Overhead, a trellis and the pillars outside the temple supported sprays of

trumpet-shaped flowers, fuchsia coloured, and as the clear note reached them they

responded to the echo: they trembled and took up the cadence of sound, and so the melody

of the flowers answered in slightly deeper tones the chord played on the strange instrument.

I told Rudy I could not place these people, their land, their time, nor perhaps even their

planet.

As the scene faded I was acutely aware of “the approach,” as I call the nearness of Rudy’s

etheric presence, and I found myself looking at a diamond-studded insignia, rather like the

Star of the Garter. In the centre was an elliptical cabochon-cut ruby— always rubies! We

cannot get away from rubies! On looking into the depths of the stone I saw The Cross in gold

which illuminated the surrounding gem . . . now this, too, faded. In its place was a white dove

with its wings open, pressed down against a mossy bank. It was trembling with excitement,

bowing and courting, and looking up with confidence as a Personage approached.

I found this overpowering. I could not lift my face towards the light and still kneeling I shaded

my eyes, and with bent head I was content merely to see the edge of a shimmering robe and

one sandalled foot, much larger than that of a person of our realms. There was just a

moment of hesitation, and then the personage passed by.

As the foot was lifted from the green moss it left an imprint of tiny multi-coloured flowers . . .

my voice faltered and tears streamed down my face in the darkness, yet I was not crying! I

had no emotional need for tears. It was most strange. Now came the sound of a sharp rap at

my side, followed by the slow drawing away, which brought this astounding evening to a

close.

The next sitting was a very quiet one, but towards the end I was shown what I feel was an

incarnation flash-back. The scene depicted a Red Indian camp, where I saw Rudy as a

young brave, and also Natacha, who looked beautiful in her clothes of softest leather.

Around her head she wore a band of coloured beads that accentuated her thick black hair

which hung in long plaits. Strange to relate, it was eleven months later that this theme was

continued, but then I no longer observed it from a distance as I was part of it and had the

form of an elderly woman. I even sensed the clothes I wore, and knew I had deep wrinkles at

the corners of my eyes. I was watching a lively dance performed by the young girls and

youths of the tribe. I was squatting comfortably on the ground and as I looked towards the

right I saw Natacha again as I had seen her before. I knew she was Rudy’s squaw, and on

her back she carried a little papoose. There was an air of carefree happiness about her.

These two incidents were not unique because I had first seen her clairvoyantly early in 1957.

Then, she was adorned with all the robes and regalia of the Egyptian court: she looked

dignified and resplendent with turquoise jewellery. She was being carried on a litter by slaves

and her attitude was in keeping with her status. She was not a happy woman, and appeared

proud and aloof. The reference to Egypt brings me to a certain flash-back I had during one

session time. Unfortunately, in those early days I was not recording the times and dates of

these session experiences, and at that time I had no intention of divulging these things, let

alone putting them into print! I had been perplexed by these revelations at the

commencement of my psychic development, and I made the excuse that it did not concern

other people. I had not yet learned that Rudy was not in the habit of presenting subjects

without a motive, nor of being inconsistent in any way even in the training period, and this

whole panorama was brought again to my memory one evening in August when, during the

sitting, Stanley began to sing the “Kashmiri Song”: “Pale hands I love . . .“ from the “Indian

Love Lyrics” and when he came to the words “beside those cool waters, where we used to

dwell . . .“ he stopped, and I recalled the whole episode. But I did not describe it aloud.

I was a child of about twelve years old, and I lived in desert surroundings in a flat-roofed

house that adjoined a deep pool. One flight of steps led from the side of the house and went

right down into the water. It was a small oasis but there were other buildings there also. I was

dressed in plain homespun cloth tied at the waist, and wore a small cap on my head. My

hair, as always, was long and fair. (Only twice have I seen myself in entirely different forms,

as the old Red Indian woman and another one which I will describe later.)

I was off on an early-morning escapade with my brother. We could have been twins as far as

age was concerned, but our looks were vastly different. His mischievous face had the same

smile that Rudy had, and he wore the striped material worn by the male members of that

particular Bedouin tribe whose life we shared.

I do not know why I detailed the distinction of the clothes, or felt that we were not actually

Bedawi (an unusual name impressed on my mind at the time of recalling the flash-back). I

saw his strong brown legs and red sandals as he hauled me up the sand dunes. I was

clutching my rather too long skirts with one hand, whilst the other was firmly held (although I

think “yanked” would be a better description) by my boisterous companion. Goodness knows

what we were up to; no one else was about and the sun was barely risen. I would have made

better progress if I could have controlled my laughter, but we were both convulsed Then

came the passing of time. Now I saw a caravan wending its way down the slopes towards

the village and I could hear the “phloof-phloof” of the camel’s feet. The men were carrying an

injured man on a type of stretcher, and I knew it was our father. I must have been older,

possibly about seventeen, because I held a veil across my face as they came nearer. It was

then I knew that our father had died.

As this sad event ended our happy childhood days I felt our lives drawing apart. Now I found

myself studying the highly decorated gold door of an Egyptian temple, and I noted the

paleness of the metal which I have since discovered was used frequently by the ancient

Egyptians. The doorway was tall and narrow, actually coffin-shaped. I was aware that

beyond those ornate panels lay a new world, to which for some obscure reason my brother

had right of access but where I had little part. I felt the sadness of this as my mind cleared,

and I was back once more in this modern age.

It was a long time since I had seen Rudy and myself as children, and it was difficult to

believe that the “Kashmiri Song” could conjure it up again so clearly.

Suddenly I felt a gentle stroking movement on my arm; three distinct touches. I asked John

and Stanley if they had moved; they both replied in the negative, and then for no apparent

reason as far as he was concerned, Stanley said, “I feel I want to say . . . ‘Little sister!’”

In July Jean was successful in obtaining an appointment for an X-ray, yet even this

commonplace occurrence had an extraordinary sequence. In spite of a constant stream of

patients and a deluge of X-ray plates, the man responsible drew Jean to one side and told

her it was very strange he had detected the merest shadow on her plate because it was not

what he had been looking for, or even trying to photograph! Because of his observation she

was to have another plate taken. This time it was seen that the trouble was due to an

inflamed gall-bladder, and the removal of it was imperative. Jean has a horror of hospitals,

caused by an unfortunate experience in childhood, and her reaction to the very definite step

that was to be taken completely unnerved her. Without the knowledge of Charles’s help and

support she would never have agreed to the operation.

When we gathered together at Leslie’s at the end of August it was with a forced gaiety on her

part that she joined in his exuberance. While we were waiting for our Spirit friends to

manifest, Leslie said that sometimes he felt impatient with people who were so materially

minded that they lost sight of the fact that all communion was an achievement by Spirit, not

only as a means to give comfort but also spiritual guidance.

He went on to say that some people only wished to see signs and wonders, and were never

happy unless they saw a trumpet sailing around the room, or better still had a bang on the

head with a tambourine! This remark produced much amusement, and at this point Mickey

intervened and continued in the same vein until we were rocking with laughter. After this he

turned to Jean and enquired, “Are you all right, love? Dr Marshall has been standing

between you and old what’s-his-name [Tony] ever since you came in.”

“Yes, thank you,” she said, “I have felt him very close.” Her voice was shaky. Then Mickey

began to sing. Let us be frank, his voice is usually strident, a bit too high for most of us, and

often off key. But need we criticise! Our efforts sound even worse, but we join in as we know

that he does this on occasions to keep tension from building up. The first vocal attempt was

the lovely hymn, “Open mine eyes, that I may see,” followed by another hymn. Ten minutes

passed, fifteen minutes passed, and still Mickey was choosing various tunes.

Leslie spoke to him a little sharply. Mickey did not reply but sang three more songs that had

a special meaning, ending at last after half an hour with one called “For Ever and for Ever,”

which was associated with the film “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”

Quite suddenly the singing came to an abrupt finish, and Mickey said, “Oh well, now I’ll find

out who’s waiting to talk to you.” “Needless to say the singing was for a purpose,” John

remarked.

“Yes indeed,” Charles replied, and turning to Jean he said, “During this half-hour I have been

giving you treatment, my dear, and I hope you will benefit from it. Don’t be unduly

apprehensive, we shall look after you.”

Jean asked for confirmation regarding the diagnosis, but Charles was rather reticent. Later

on he divulged that the gall-stones were not the only trouble, they were in fact the least

important factor, but he did not say what was the second cause for anxiety. “I was hoping

that the irritation might be removed without resorting to surgery,” he told her, “but it would

take a great deal of time. However, between us we shall succeed, and I shall influence the

doctors at the hospital on your behalf.”

Naturally, during our contact with Dr. Marshall there have been times when we sensed that

he did not always agree in full with the opinions expressed by his earthly colleagues, but he

would never actually say so. He always made allowances for the limitations of earthly

knowledge, and he remains at all times the perfect doctor, observing medical etiquette to the

nth degree. Once, when we were having difficulty in arranging the X-ray appointment, I burst

out, “It’s hopeless, Charles. Jean is simply told she’s suffering from nerves!”

“So she is!” was his quick reply. “They have every reason to think so, and only by the

process of elimination and her quiet insistence will they eventually do as we require.”

To return to the séance. After Charles had gone, Sister Teresa had a few words with us and

amused us by saying she had been told not to stay too long! “And there is so much I want to

say to you,” she protested, “they do not want the tape wasted! I don’t know why they think I

should waste the tape! But if there is enough time and enough tape, I can come back later!”

She joined in the merriment with her rich infectious laugh. “Now there is someone of

importance to speak to you. All my love and blessings.”

The theme that Rudy presented that evening in a speech of considerable length was on the

obliteration of “self” in humbleness of service. In speaking about the circle he said, “Recently

there has been greater patience and tolerance and we are able to draw nearer to you. You

are learning to overcome ‘self’ probably the most difficult and the most important thing to do.

Learn that you are here to serve; remember that you are only instruments and you have not

been chosen for self-aggrandisement, in fact you should feel humble that you have been

given this work to do. All the great Teachers and Prophets, before they did the work of God,

became humble.

“We see such humbleness in the life of Christ, in the lowliness of His estate, how He was

able to do these things of God through His oneness with the Divine. And this in spite of those

around Him who seemed so unworthy, though perhaps it was because of them He was able

to do His work and give them His words of wisdom. So remember: learn to love those who

hate you, and turn the other cheek. Learn to keep ‘self’ in the background, and service in the

foreground.

“Each of you has this responsibility, and we know the possibilities of each one. If you fail a

little it is to be expected. It is not easy in a world fraught with danger, difficulties and adverse

conditions, yet, you can overcome these things by the power within. “Your world is like a

school and you go from phase to phase, from class to class, assimilating knowledge and

experience. Sometimes you have to be reprimanded, and often you don’t like the lesson you

have to learn. But these trials, these tribulations, these things that cause you sadness and

distress are the way by which you are tested. They are not given to you deliberately as a

test, but they do prove your worth.

“It is natural that you long for happier things, for brighter conditions, but even assuming that

you have them, earthly possessions do not bring the pleasure you may think. It is not often

that those who reach the pinnacles of success and have the world at their feet find the

greatest happiness. I know these things of which I speak,” he said sadly. “Those who live in

humble abodes, striving to do their best although fighting against odds, who do the humdrum

and have little in their lives that is colourful, often they are the people who have contributed

most to mankind. They are the ones who have made possible the path of others, and those

that have climbed have often done so through the sacrifice of others. Such is the selfabnegation

of those who are content to sit back and see others go forward. Therefore, do not

be discontented, do not complain of or bewail your fate, but count your blessings and your

joys. Pearls of great price to be found on your very doorstep!” he said with a little laugh.

Towards the end of the sitting Rudy gave us some idea of exactly what his work entailed by

these words: “Do not think you owe us any debt in any shape or form. It is only love that

makes for advancement. If I am a little more advanced than you, I want you to realise that

there are Others far greater than I who, through me, endeavour to inspire you. As you are

instruments, as you want to become mediums, look upon me as such; as a medium for

Greater Souls who have been Here centuries of time, and whose spiritual attainment and

advancement are so great they could not possibly reach you direct, but they can use me as

an instrument for their word, and for their love. In this way we are all bound together with ties

of love and not one can be, or shall be . . . lost. My love and my blessings be with you all, as

they will always be, now and ever. Good-bye.”

For six weeks after this lucid demonstration of the mutual concern of our Spirit friends for our

welfare, we did not have any phenomena at all in our home circle, apart from a little

spasmodic clairvoyance. This took the form of a fleeting glimpse of Burmese conditions, as

one night I felt myself overshadowed and I “became” a native of those parts. As usual when

transferring these flashbacks to my mind, Rudy was likewise transformed and appeared in

an elaborate costume with a tall pagoda-shaped hat. His long tight-fitting jacket had curved

shoulder pieces and his face was typically Oriental. I was a young girl, whereas he was more

mature, and his vocation as either temple priest or temple dancer denoted a rather distant

relationship, yet one of teacher and pupil.

However, the redeeming feature of this seemingly abortive period in our sittings came though

our correspondence with Mrs Charles Marshall, whose whereabouts we had traced after she

and Charles had been mentioned in the Psychic News. The outcome of this exchange of

interests resulted in a meeting being arranged at Leslie’s for early October. Unfortunately our

tape recorder failed us, and we had to memorise all that happened.

It was quite a large gathering that night in the presence of Mrs. Charles Marshall. Gwen was

there and two of Leslie’s own circle. It was a most satisfying experience to hear husband and

wife talking together and discussing their wonderful work, which is nothing less than the cure

of cancer. If ever the medical fraternity investigate the evidence of the cures that have been

effected already through the use of the special injection, recently called “Marshelium,” plus

spiritual healing rays, far fewer people will be subject to this dreadful disease. The method is

dependent on the healing power administered by Spirit doctors through a spiritual healer,

together with the injections, which require the services of a healer doctor or the co-operation

of spiritual healers throughout the medical treatment. This presumably presents a difficulty,

as the healers are still something of an embarrassment to the B.M.A.

Deeply concerned with the disease many years ago, Charles wrote a book entitled “A New

Theory of Cancer and its Treatment.” This work consisted of two parts and was widely

circulated in 1932. Being a member of the B.M.A. for forty years he frequently contributed to

the Journal, and to other journals abroad, by writing articles which dealt with this and other

scourges which inflict mankind. When he was on Earth, by sitting together in meditation with

his wife he received the cure from the Spirit world and it took ten years to perfect the formula.

Those in this country within the medical profession who have in the past surreptitiously dared

to be unorthodox, and by whose co-operation even hopeless cases have been arrested (see

article by Kaye Ryde in Psychic News, September 6th, 1958), are bound because of

prejudice not to disclose their identities or case files. Mrs. Marshall herself has abundant

proof, apart from the evidence of many people who know Charles personally through spirit

contact, of the existence of this great healing power, and this book which I write also serves

to illustrate the operation of these laws over and over again without once offending any

religious truth (and I purposely use the word truth, and not belief) or failing to Comply with

medical etiquette, in any respect.

After the conversation with his wife came to an end, Charles turned his attention to Jean and

endeavoured to instill more courage into her to face the ordeal of the operation for the

removal of her gall-bladder. When he left us, “David’s” cheerful voice announced perkily,

“Hello! Thought you’d like to know I’m around!” Then he too devoted his time to Jean and

told her he had been to the local hospital to spy out the land, and although he was not too

impressed, as there seemed to be staff problems, he assured her that she would be well

cared for in every way, adding that it would do her good to get away from the family for a

while! At which Stanley and Barbara protested indignantly. To the rest of us he gave

instructions regarding the circle and the direction of healing thoughts and prayers for Jean,

and on taking leave of us he said, “When you are all together again I shall be back with you

as before—in one of my many guises!

Anyway. I must go now, God bless you all.” The other sitters did not know the true identity of

our visitor, but as we came out of the séance room, Leslie shook his head as if he could not

believe his ears and laughingly whispered, “I can’t get used to the kilt!”

During the conversation that ensued later, Mrs. Marshall affirmed that she was in no doubt at

all that it had been her husband communicating with her, although his voice was not the

same. On another occasion when she came to spend a few days with us and heard several

tapes she remarked again that the voice was not the same, but the communicator was

indisputably “Charles,” a name she seldom used when referring to him, as they have their

own intimate form of address.

The following sitting at home brought me another strange vision, yet at the same time it

seemed to bring to an end for many months this series of manifestations in the circle. First I

saw a gold cross of cumbersome proportions, heavily weighed down by jewels. As I looked

at it the size increased until it was enormous, and then from the centre a figure enveloped in

a white light walked slowly forward. The robes, caught at the wrist by a cord, were quite

unadorned and gave the impression of utter simplicity. The light around the head diffused

into what I thought was an aura of jewels, but in this I was mistaken and I found myself

looking at a sconce of burning candles through the facets of a cut crystal which caused the

steady flames to break up into myriads of sparkling colours. Then the crystal and the candles

vanished suddenly, leaving only twelve tongues of flame (I did not count them, but I knew

there were twelve), and the words came to me, “As it once was, so will it be again.”

On October 24th Jean underwent her operation and although there were no complications it

would be untrue to say she did not suffer, but she certainly faced up to it with far more

courage than she had expected of herself. We, on the other hand, had complete confidence

and looked forward to her return home, which took place three weeks later. During all this

time she had occupied a small private room, shared by only one other patient for part of her

stay. This unsolicited privilege helped her to rest more.

On her return, and having transferred the black-out frames to Jean’s flat, we continued our

sittings round her bed. If we expected a quiet evening confined mainly to healing for our first

reunion we were pleasantly surprised as Stanley’s voice broke the silence by quoting some

words from Omar Khayyám’s “Rubáiyát”:

“Awake! for Morning in the Bowl of Night

Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight:

And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught

The Sultan’s Turret in a Noose of Light.”

(Earlier version, translated by Edward Fitzgerald)

We had been aware of a Persian link before, but it was particularly strong on this evening of

Jean’s home-coming. Then almost imperceptibly another personality predominated and the

words flowed though with smooth eloquence. “The True Soul remains dormant, and only one

part is given life in a material sense. Each part needs to live a perfectly normal human

existence; often it has to fulfill its mission in a strange manner. It never dies; it cannot die. All

life is eternal, and the past is gone and in some ways is to be forgotten, yet all that you were

still persists. I am now, as I was then, unchanged, yet not the same,” came the paradoxical

remark, and without clarifying it the voice went on in the same quiet manner.

“Value the past and past experiences, but look to the future, to the dawn of a New Age. A

pale grey dawn; stars glistening against the darkness; and as it steals across the sky it

heralds the time when Man will once again walk with God. Soon, quite soon, this truth will be

known by many. There will be no more crosses and widow’s weeds or black carriages.

‘Perched on a cloud, not wrapped in a shroud. . . .‘ We are so happy to be with you all again.

Good-night. My love to the little lady. Bless you all”

We were not certain who our friend was, but Stanley thought he sensed the name White

Eagle, and I had thought of White Feather, but just as one is integrally part of the other, it is

of little consequence. We are often told that names mean little or nothing and most of the

guides work under a sign or symbol

During a sitting in early December at our home circle, Stanley asked a question relevant to

ancient Egypt, and as I was about to answer him to the best of my limited knowledge, I felt

the control take over, “as gentle as the touch of a butterfly’s wing,” to be really poetic. But

under the influence of the tender love that flowed over me it was as if I had yielded to the

warmth of sleep, and I began to speak dreamily: “The people of that time were advanced in

many ways and they had great wisdom. The women it is true did not have much status, yet

they were happy for the most part. You know it is always the cruelties that the world

remembers, as I said before [this remark had been made on a previous occasion], and their

standard of hygiene was high in comparison to that of other peoples of that period. For

instance, the snakes which had been made into holy creatures by the priests had this

distinction conferred upon them for one reason; they kept the vermin, that would have

infested the communities, under control, and in this way disease was kept at bay to a certain

extent. Another of Nature’s scavengers is the scarab beetle, and this too was sacred.”

Now I was seeing the inside of an Egyptian building. On one side of the supporting pillars

there hung a gold mask; it was so designed that the light shone on only one side of the face,

and to emphasise the contrast the cheeks sloped away sharply from a dividing line which

stretched from the forehead down the pointed nose to the chin. I described this to the sitters

and then went on to say, “This mask is made to represent the dual personality of Man, the

higher enlightened side, and his lower unevolved nature. Night and day; you see, these

people knew of these things and understood them.”

Three days after this sitting, and during my daily session, I experienced two flash-backs of a

particularly personal nature, and it must be sufficient to say that in one I was an early

Christian whose life was saved by a Roman guard, no less brutal than his companions, but

whose sympathies were in favour of the prisoners, and who later gave me protection in his

home. As the scene faded he and I were talking earnestly about the Faith which he had

adopted. Now the years turned back to a much earlier period and we were traveling in the

desert, not as I had seen Rudy and myself before, as children, but as true Arabs. His

features were similar but coarser. I had received vivid experiences before, but they were

pallid outlines compared to these two. Four days later, on December 9th, 1958, I took part in

the most amazing vision that I have experienced in my life.

There was nothing to distinguish this day from any other, and as my session time came due I

put my household chores to one side as usual. Therefore what occurred was not following

hours of intense meditation, which might have prepared my mind for this revelation, which I

will barely touch upon. But this I will say; in the paintings of the Old Masters, where is

depicted the opening of the Heavens and hosts of Angel Beings descending in rays of light,

there is captured upon canvas and fresco a glimpse of what they too must have seen in

moments of highest inspiration. For on this day I witnessed and took part in such a visitation,

for which I had to be, as it were, conditioned, and the blue cloak of light which Rudy held

round my shoulders made it possible for me to see, but not to hear, and so my ears not

attuned to these conditions caught nothing of the music of the Spheres which must have

accompanied such a magnificent cavalcade. Let it suffice to say that I saw the centre of the

sun take Shape and Form, which diminished in size and brilliance in the descent towards the

Earth.

Although I spoke to Rudy by Direct Voice a week later, I had no opportunity to refer to this

vision. To be frank I was puzzled by what I had seen, and it seemed strange that he made no

attempt to satisfy my mind in this respect. The wisdom of such behavior had not been

apparent to me then, but I realised later that I was doubting my own evidence. So much so

that when it came to writing the notes I found myself hesitating to put down the factual details

of this one instance. I simply could not bring myself to accept winged Beings, yet I had seen

them in their hundreds! So he left me to seek confirmation from a source which he would

consider a greater authority than himself, and it was a month later, after a public lecture at

the Spiritualist Headquarters, that I was able to confirm or refute the evidence of my own

eyes, and I asked simply, “White Wing, are there such things as winged Beings?”

“No, my sister, there are not,” he replied firmly, “but I will explain how this idea came about.

Through the centuries certain people have been lifted up during meditation to great heights,

and on seeing an Angelic Host, as they would describe it, would be convinced that they had

wings. What they actually saw was in fact the auras around a company of highly advanced

souls. These auras, extending above their stature and tapering towards the feet, scintillate

and vibrate in such a way that to an onlooker it would appear as if these Illumined Ones had

wings, but I assure you they do not. There is no need whatever for such unnatural

encumbrances.”

It proved to be more satisfactory in this case to receive the explanation from an unfamiliar

source, for had Rudy imparted this to me I might have thought that he was adapting his

interpretation to conform with my own limits of acceptance. For how often we are told by

doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists that we “tap” our own subconscious thoughts, and

conjure up what we want to believe, and bearing this in mind I never cease to analyse most

carefully these extreme experiences.

This is an exercise we are constantly encouraged to pursue by our teachers from the Other

Side. This glorious phenomenon has never been repeated, and I doubt if it could be. I am at

a loss to find words to express the magnificence of the scene, yet for all its transcendent

beauty, and its company of Divine Beings, there was no feeling of awe, only a complete atoneness,

among those who like myself were present from other strata of existence.

As I mentioned before, I was unable to speak to Rudy about this remarkable vision during

the sitting we had with Leslie on December 16th. This was due not to the number of people

who spoke to us, but to the great length of the discourse which was specially chosen as a

Christmas message. We were in an exceptionally gay mood, and Mickey encouraged the

laughter until interrupted by Charles who exclaimed with mock disapproval, “What a

conversation!” Naturally he devoted a considerable time to Jean; then came Sister Teresa,

so dear to us and so full of humour and gentle reproof when we got out of hand. As she

wished us “Bon Noel” a strange voice exclaimed, “Cor’ stone the crows!” We gasped, then

our unknown visitor went on, “Good evening, nice to see you. Stanley, and the Missus, John,

and old Yeller Nob!” He waited until he could make himself heard above the laughter, and

then he said, “I’ve been waiting to ‘ave a word wiv you lot! My name’s Jim ‘Awkins. I came

over in the first lot; first world war.

“So here was our 1914-18 war link that we had often sensed without being able to identify.

As the conversation progressed we learned that he came from Bermondsey, and when

Stanley remarked that Jim was able to use the instrument very well, Jim replied lustily,

“Blimey, mate, I’ve been coming fer abaht twenty-odd years! Then I got fed up wiv it, you

know, kind of got on me nerves . .

“Oh,” said John, “you still suffer with nerves!”

“Nah!” Jim replied. “course not, it’s only a term.. . you’re being bloody difficult ain’t you?” and

laughed as he indulged in the adjective. From then on the conversation became more and

more hilarious. Then quite suddenly Jim said, “I’d better be going, or I’ll have that film actor

bloke after me! Bye-bye.” Leslie burst into laughter at this and explained that Jim Hawkins

used to be a constant visitor in the early days, and he described him as an older version of

Mickey.

“So!” came an amused drawl, “I’m a film actor . . . bloke, eh?”

“Hello, David!” John shouted with enthusiasm.

“What do you mean . . ‘David’? “ came the doubtful query.

“Isn’t it?” John asked in a puzzled voice.

“No, not exactly tonight . . . ah, it is difficult.” There was a slight pause. “I am very pleased to

speak with you, but it is most difficult.”

“Difficult?” I enquired, for I knew it was Rudy though the accent was predominantly French,

and I wondered what was happening, especially as the accent became more pronounced as

he went on speaking.

“I do not mean it is difficult to speak with you, but as I contact you tonight I don’t seem to get

myself clear. I don’t know how to explain it to you! As I have said before, like a number of

people I have had many lives, many earthly existences, and several are con-fus-ing me,” he

said with difficulty. “I don’t know, I - he sighed deeply. Then after a pause and a slight

change in voice he continued, “When John said ‘David’ I thought for a moment, ‘Perhaps it is

that I’m putting over the Scots contact,’ yet I was not thinking of it. In fact I have been trying

to obliterate completely any earthly memory, because tonight I want to sneak to you on a

purely spiritual level. But I find as I enter the Earth vibrations several aspects of my various

incarnations impinge themselves upon me, and for the moment I lose what I want to say on

my own vibration.

“I do not think you always realise how difficult it is for us to get a clear channel, and think as

we are now, and so speak to you without interference from past associations and earthly

conditions. Much that we want to convey we cannot because memories affect our

conversation with you. I am very conscious as I speak to you tonight that I am putting over

one of my incarnations, of the time of the French Revolution when I was attached to the

Court, and I deliberately wanted to avoid it.” As he hesitated I asked if there was anything we

could do to help him, and there was amusement in his voice as he answered, this time with

much less of the French manner, “No, no, there is nothing you can do, except be patient.

You know now that I have been back many times, invariably for development and

experience, and in one incarnation at least it was essential that I came back because I had a

certain work to fulfil. I know it is difficult for you, as you think of me only as I was in my last

incarnation; as for the rest—you must try to unravel them.”

“It is the same with you. We give you certain threads from this Side of life, certain facts

connected with yourselves and your past existences, but you have to try to put them into

pattern. We help you, but it still depends on you yourselves, and by your own efforts, to

make something of them. “You are shown the path but you yourselves must tread it. So it is

with all the great religions of the world. All the prophets, teachers and seers gave (according

to their light) Illumination. Yet it still depends upon the individual as to how the teaching is

accepted and which path is taken.” By now the voice was in complete control of the situation,

and all trace of personality was submerged. “Take Christ. He came into the world to give

Illumination, to show how by living in the simple way Man could become aware of the God

Power within himself, and learn how to overcome the world and find unity with God. But Man

in his ignorance over centuries of time has often interpreted wrongly and built legends

around the glorious Truth, and this great example, Jesus, has become for many—a myth.”

“Many things celebrated in your world originated from pagan rituals centuries before Christ.

The virgin birth in itself is a very old thing; nearly all the gods of the ancient world were

created and brought into being through ‘virgin birth.’ If you can only realise that Christ was

born in the natural way, then He becomes human and understandable; He becomes real,

and you say, ‘Here is a man like myself. I can follow Him.’ But if you accept what the Church

would have you believe, that He was God on earth, created in a miraculous way, with

miraculous powers, He ceases to be approachable, and you feel He is so remote He

becomes like a fairy legend.

“So much was created by the early members of the Church, so that they could wield power

over the people . . . I could go on in this strain, but what I want you most particularly to

realise when you celebrate the birth of Christ, is the magnificence and the beauty in its true

reality. Not that He was miraculously conceived but that He was born in the natural way, a

small babe with no strength, but with the Power of God within Him.

“He knew of His at-oneness; He realised that the path of spiritual attainment and the

salvation of the human race was through sacrifice. The sacrifice on the Cross has never

been revealed in all its wonder. Christ died on the Cross for an ideal. He fulfilled the Promise,

and He returned and demonstrated that Man lived beyond the grave and death was not the

end. Christ was not afraid to die. He knew His earthly body was simply the vehicle for Godly

expression through Him.

“Therefore, accept Christ; accept the beauty and the majesty of Christ; accept the creation of

Christ in the normal fashion, then to you too He becomes a reality, someone you can follow,

and someone in whom you can believe.

“I want you to think of this when you celebrate Christmas. It is such an inspiring time and has

so much to offer the world! It is symbolic too, and suggests much to the human mind.

“It is indeed only when we are like children that we can become moulded by God for His

service and for His purpose. We are not expected to be automatons, we are not puppets for

whom God pulls the strings. God gives us strength, He gives us power and above all free will

so that we can choose. You are not expected to glorify your Father God, He does not want

glorification from His children, He wants His children to become glorified through their efforts

and to develop God-like qualities and reflect the things that are of God. God Himself is the

Power, the Essence and the Divine Force of Man which flows through all life, in all kingdoms,

not merely through the human race.

“When you hurt an animal you are hurting yourself, because the animal is part of you, and is

in fact your brother, together with all God’s creatures. It may seem that some things in

Nature are not in rhythm, not in harmony, yet in all God’s handiwork, before Man himself did

much to destroy it, there was perfection; a uniform beauty that Man destroyed. You must

understand that you cannot do anything that may hurt any part of God’s creation without it

rebounding on you in some way. “All life is movement, nothing remains stationary. It is

always flowing and there is no end and no beginning. Life is constant change in which you

are given greater opportunities, consciousness and awareness, and sometimes the change

is so subtle it goes unnoticed. That is why one must return often to different bodies, perhaps

to atone for something that has been done in a previous incarnation.

“Therefore we want you to know that as a group you have been brought together, not only in

this life but in past lives, in different bodies but with the same spirit, and it is the creative spirit

which expresses itself through the personality.

“The threads we give you may seem slight sometimes, yet you will see how the tapestry of

your lives is woven into a pageantry of beauty and harmony in which you become an

important part of a tremendous Whole. We cannot explain many things to you, and we have

not the right to do so, but I want you to know that whatever may befall you, even when

disaster comes . . . there is a purpose. Though to you it seems cruel and unjust and you may

feel that you have been let down, even by us (yes, even that will cross your minds because

you are human), I want to emphasise that we cannot in any way change events which come

about through circumstances beyond our control. We are souls who come to you in love and

brotherhood, with a desire to serve and do the work of God, and you are our instruments in a

world to which you have returned, or where you have been placed for a purpose. You have

been tested and no doubt will be tested again, and although you have not been found

wanting it is still essential that you learn through adversity and sorrow the very lessons that

you could not learn otherwise.”

The soft voice continued to give a further address for several minutes elaborating on what

had already been said, since there must not be the slightest anticipation in our minds that

because of our privileged contact our journey through life was to be any easier! When this

point had been fully stressed, the emphasis was laid upon the limitless power that surrounds

and sustains us through all our adversities.

“Man’s earthly wisdom is not the Wisdom of the Spheres. Spiritual Wisdom is what you feel

with an intensity of being that radiates and permeates through all the difficulties of your

earthly existence. We never expect perfection from you, and when you make mistakes we do

not condemn. Remember the threads of pure gold that bring lustre and beauty to the

tapestries you weave, and realise you are not weaving for yourselves alone. Everything you

do has some effect on another person, and often on many.

“Follow the Examples you have been given and try to find the beauties hidden in the truths

obscured for so long by men of so-called earthly wisdom. Those who would be great in your

world, who enforce pomp and ceremony in the name of God, are ignorant indeed of the

essential beauty and simplicity that will lead you to a Heaven where radiation of light and

beauty is beyond description.

“You need not fear any second of your living day, because we who come to you are always

near. To help, guide and inspire you if you will help us to make these things possible. We

know the difficulties, but whatever your anxiety may be, it will pass. We cannot be separated

(although we may feel separated for a while), and the time will surely come when your

earthly tasks are set aside and your earthly vessels no longer used, and when you are in the

Realm of Spirit, you will know that you are, indeed, blessed. There is nothing, nothing at all,

that can touch you, harm you or make you afraid, for we are all of God.”

Now there was a slight pause and the voice which continued was more like Rudy’s own

voice, and he used the first person again. “There is much I wanted to say to you that has not

been possible, but I felt that at this time when families are together and love descends on the

Earth in greater power, I could make you realise that we are one family too, and our thoughts

must be directed towards those less fortunate than ourselves. They are one with us,

irrespective of colour, class or creed, and we have a duty to them. They may not be on the

path yet, but one day they will acquire knowledge and follow the Truth.

“It is your task to be patient, loving and kind. Be tolerant if others do not understand for often

in their own way they are struggling to find God, and God is found in many ways, and

through many religions. There are many aspects of Truth, and when Man is free of the things

he has created which obscure light, then all will see and understand. Meanwhile, we must

remember that they can see only what they have been allowed to see.

“Do not argue, or become cross or irritated. Do not condemn other souls because they

cannot see or understand. Perhaps what they have is sufficient for them according to their

light. To you it may be dim! To them it may be bright! Never be envious of others, for often

those who appear to have most in a material sense have least, so be grateful that you have

spiritual treasures that cannot be taken from you, whereas the things of the Earth will pass

away. What you are building is eternal and will always be with you according to your actions,

your thoughts, and the love you give out wherever you go.

“This Truth is not new. It is as old as Time itself and has been taught by all the great

Messiahs, and all humble men of great spirit. Those who were the Light in the darkness of

‘Time. Follow them, and follow us who come in their name, to do their work and bidding. I

have to go, but as I go I sense many Souls who have drawn close to me and have helped

me to speak with you. I have not said all I intended, but I have acted as the medium for much

that has come from Others, who have gathered here in wisdom and love that your eyes may

be opened and you may rejoice at this season when you celebrate the birth of Light, the birth

of the Christ Spirit which manifested God’s Wisdom in humble form.

“From all of us Here, both known and unknown, come our blessings and our peace. As the

New Year approaches, whatever it may hold for each of you, know that there is a purpose.

We have work to do . . . God’s work, and we have been called into His service. We cannot . .

. and shall not . . . fail. Peace be upon you, now, and always. Farewell.”

It is impossible to convey by written word the cadence of the voice; the varying strength and

gentleness of the last fading whisper. I do not know what we said, and a moment later

Charles came through and summed up this wonderful night of communion. “That was most

interesting. There was much you may have sensed. I do not know how you can realise . . . er

. . . the tremendous impact . . .“ Even Charles seemed lost for words. “At least you must

have been conscious of it. That was ONE SOUL . . . YET MANY! As he and others have told

you, we go through many phases of existence. Although many people in your world do not

like this idea and object to it very much, nevertheless it is a fact.

“You have received a talk . . . sermon . . . call it what you will, not from ONE, but from MANY,

all flowing through the SAME CHANNEL OF SPIRIT. All entwined one with the other into a

COMPLETE WHOLE. We work in harmony as one body of people. That is why the work we

hope to do through you can only be done when you yourselves are in harmony. You have

encountered many difficulties, yet because of these you have been drawn closer together. It

is only through testing that you have been found not wanting. That is why at this time we feel

very close to you, while many Souls Here who have not spoken and cannot yet speak, have

manifested themselves through our friend, to demonstrate the tremendous power, the

tremendous love that is being showered upon you. I feel sure you will find great opportunity

for service in the coming year.” After this Charles and Mickey closed the circle amid a happy

and intimate exchange of Christmas wishes from everyone present.

Some time before we moved to our present home, John had suffered with severe dizzy

spells, so I had reason to feel anxious when one morning in the New Year he had a

recurrence which lasted a few minutes. In mid-January I booked a sitting alone in order to

consult Charles. Sister Teresa was the first to speak, and she was surprised that John was

not well, and so was Mickey. But Charles, who had come to us on the morning of the attack,

knew all the details.

First he advised me to instill into John the fact that he was nearer to sixty than sixteen! And

to insist that he should stop chasing around and working himself to a standstill. “He must eat

more slowly in future,” I was told, and a drastic change of diet was necessary, as his usual

stodgy food was of no use to him. Charles advised that John should drink a quantity of water

each day and pure yeast was to be included in his daily food consumption. After Charles had

left I waited expectantly for my mother, as I felt she would be the next communicator. But it

was not her voice which greeted me, but Rudy’s. I am sure it is not common knowledge that

during his lifetime Valentino wrote a book called “How You Can Keep Fit.” I have been able

to obtain a typed copy of it from America, and the mode of life and the diet indicated in this

booklet are ideal and would be beneficial to anyone, but the exercises in which Rudy

indulged are fit only for a commando course! So I was not altogether surprised to find how

much he knew about John’s health and diet, which evidently was not balanced for his

particular needs.

I admitted that I had felt worried, in spite of all the teaching I had received, and the thought

had crossed my mind “Just supposing . . .“ but at this remark Rudy interposed firmly, “We’ll

not suppose anything—only that John will co-operate with us.” He paused and added slowly,

“I don’t see you as a widow. It wouldn’t suit you at all!” It was most strange, but I had to stop

myself forcibly from saying, “No, not again!” He hesitated as if summing me up, sighed, and

then said, “You’re such a complex person!”

“Am I?” I queried, and then exclaimed, “Oh, there’s so much I want to ask you!”

“I know,” he replied, “and I tell you a little at a time, only what is good for you to know. You

are learning all the time from us here, and from others who give knowledge in a different

way.” He evidently knew we were attending a series of lectures by White Wing! “As you

become ready to receive it, I add a little more information, but if I were to answer all your

questions, I would give you ‘mental indigestion.’ I know your wonderings, and your

difficulties,” and in reply to an unspoken question he added, “Remember that no one is

separated in a true sense; life is continuous and only circumstances change.” When I

thanked him he said, “I am only one of many who come with love; only one of many on

whom you can rely.” He sent his love to the other members of the circle, and a special

message to John.

Later I gave the instructions to John as I had received them, and quoted extracts from the

booklet which Valentino had written. I tactfully pointed out that he had maintained his superb

physique by a moderate and natural diet. Rudy always had tremendous energy. He was an

expert horseman and his prowess at fencing, boxing, wrestling, quite apart from his grace as

a professional dancer, bore evidence to his physical fitness. Though a little dubious at first,

John assiduously followed the advice given. The pure yeast content evidently was the

missing ingredient in his diet and as this balanced the rather sudden change from bulky indigestible

foods to salads, fruit and vegetables, and tea gave place to water, John’s health

was no longer a matter of concern.

I have purposely described the subject of this sitting with more detail than it may seem to

warrant in order to emphasise the contrast between the human aspect, so apparent on this

occasion, and the spiritual aspect of the same soul which was so vividly presented at the

Christmas meeting.

It was February when we went again to Leslie’s but not in the usual happy attitude, and when

Mickey spoke to us I had to admit that I, and no doubt the others too, were feeling a little

depressed over the lack of results. Except. for fragments of clairvoyance, our meetings at

home seemed negative. Mickey was not exactly sympathetic.

“Well, that’s damned silly!” he exclaimed. “It’s not what you get out of it, but what you put into

it that counts! Take something into the circle. That’s the attitude of mind you must cultivate.

Not ‘Oh well, if I don’t get anything tonight, or next week, I’m packing up!’ That’s all wrong.

Mind you, the majority of people are the same. They want to take something out of a circle,

but like a bank they must expect to put something into it first! Most people are overdrawn

anyway!” He laughed loudly. “Poor old Lynn! Don’t be so intense, love. Don’t treat it casually,

but don’t let it obsess you. You’ve had a lot of bad luck, but you’ll get there eventually.”

Charles endorsed all that Mickey had said, only an extract of which I have recorded here. He

cautioned us to be more relaxed and not so over-anxious. “The main thing is control. As you

look after your physical body, so it is necessary o look after the psychic body and the

spiritual body. To do this you need to be constantly master of yourself in order to keep things

balanced. With this communication and the realisation of Truth, and in spite of all the

aspiration you may have, you must still have balance. You have a material life to lead and

therefore everything must be kept in perspective, and there must never be the feeling that

this is the most important thing. Face up to your responsibilities and give all you can to the

circle. Then, we shall be able to work with you in harmony.”

When Rudy spoke he chose two different themes for his discourse, one of which applied

particularly to me. I am apt to take other people’s worries on my shoulders, and he pointed

out the fact that to help other people one must be strong oneself! As he paused, I asked him

if I was making any progress in my daily sessions when I tried to give healing. He replied:

“Now you are talking in a negative way and it is not good. You must be positive in everything

you do. Remember Jesus when He said, ‘Thy faith hath made thee whole!’ He did not think it

was His own power, because He knew it was the Power of God flowing through Him. If you

have faith that you are going to achieve something then you make it possible.

“Have faith in your own ability, in the power within you, and in those around you. Above all,

have faith in God and if it is for good, you will achieve something. It is not enough to have

faith in us, you must have faith in yourselves. Try to be practical in your thinking and bolster

up that practical thought by action where you can.”

I nodded my head as if I thoroughly understood all he had said, but being such a creature of

habit I phrased my very next remark thus: “I’m trying to give healing to Maria Loglisci—” But

Rudy broke in: “Now you see, you say, ‘I’m trying’ instead of ‘I am giving healing ‘!“ I

repeated the correction and was about to ask if my efforts were having results, when it

dawned on me how futile the question would sound after his careful explanation. Of course

my friend was benefiting from my prayers! My question remained unasked.

The more I study his way of teaching the more I sense the wisdom that lies behind him. He

knows the exact measure of ability and always aims just beyond; he knows the exact limit of

concentrated effort and that achievement seems always just out of reach! And so after each

sitting we have a fresh lesson to absorb.

The mention of Castellaneta brought us to the subject of holidays. “That is another dream

that has not been fulfilled,” Rudy said sympathetically, “but perhaps you will be going at a

more auspicious time!” Until the power began to diminish we continued a light and friendly

conversation, interlaced with a good deal of humour.

Just how long it takes the average group of people to assimilate spiritual teachings I have no

way of judging, but we certainly cannot boast that we excelled in breaking the record! For on

the occasion of our next sitting we found that John had accidentally picked up the wrong

tape. The one that he had brought bore recordings of previous sittings, and to have used it

would have meant erasing one track completely. What a golden opportunity to exercise

“control “! I froze inwardly and Jean was impassive. John looked flushed and Stanley was

silent. Oh yes, we were doing fine! Leslie was agitated, however; he knew how disappointed

we would be and he held up the séance for half an hour while he tried to find a tape. He was

not successful and we had to proceed without the machine.

No comment was passed, and there we sat like four poker-faced dummies, imperturbable,

and aloof! But Mickey was not impressed, and he broke the rigid composure by saying, “Cor!

You haven’t half done it this time, Johnnie! I’m afraid His Lordship won’t be coming to speak

with you tonight.“ at which point “His Lordship” (Rudy) interposed. “Well, well, what a lot of

trouble over such a little thing! Anyone can make a mistake, and—all——over—a—tape!”

“We haven’t said a word, Rudy,” I was very quick to exclaim, “and we are not unduly upset!”

“Oh, yes, you are!” he replied just as emphatically. “You are seething, inside. You keep

counting—”

“You told us to count up to five when. . .“ I interrupted and began to laugh as I heard his

exclamation.

“Five? Did you say five? You’ve reached 1,001 already!” Then he told us that it would be

impossible to remember accurately all that was said, therefore he would not give us the talk

he had intended for that evening, as no doubt it would cause further argument between us.

What followed was something of a solace for all that I had felt that evening, and it implied an

intimate knowledge of us in past times, which prompted Stanley to ask: “Rudy, when did you

first know us?” “That’s a difficult question,” he said. A short pause followed and then he said,

“I see! You mean in this incarnation? Well, I first tried to contact Lynn twelve to fourteen

years ago.” I gasped with astonishment and he turned towards me. “Through your mother.

She’s a strange woman . . . I’m sorry . . . she was a strange woman. You see, she knew of

this contact with me.”

“She knew of it, Rudy? I didn’t know that! She mentioned you once, after a meeting at the

Kingsway Hall, but she never told me you were Leslie’s guide, and she never spoke of you

again. Actually, I didn’t encourage her to do so, for after all those years you seemed so

remote. To be perfectly frank, it didn’t make sense to remember you.”

“It was quite natural actually,” he said, “and I say this without any pride; there are hundreds

who are still drawn to me, and I help a great many people, although I do not come through to

them in this way. I’m still human enough to feel flattered that so many still take an interest in

my work, and find enjoyment in the films. Old-fashioned, out-dated, out-moded . . . it amazes

me! But everything was for a reason; my work, the unhappiness of my personal life, even the

shortness of it.

Nothing was without purpose. There’s a lot I wanted to say this evening, but when you come

again you’ll have your machine in order and everything will be recorded.”

“Do you feel it’s important for us to have a good recording?” Stanley asked. “Yes, certainly,”

Rudy replied. Then I asked him if he knew I kept a written record and did he think that also

was important. “It is very essential,” he said seriously. “In due time it will go into print, and

because of my name a great many people will read the book out of curiosity. In this manner

there will be many who will learn the truth, who otherwise would never have sought it. That is

why we are so pleased you are making progress in your circle.”

He then discussed the coming of the light evenings, and said the black-out and our curtains

would need adjusting. He spoke to Jean’s “bambina” and enquired about Anthony. Just

before the sitting closed I assured him that I would make a greater effort towards self-control

as I felt he was not satisfied with my response, and as I could not understand what reaction

he was trying to stimulate I explained, “I find it difficult in regard to the small irritations of life,

and particularly so when faced with a disappointment.” Rudy spoke slowly and quietly, “But

you must learn. How can you expect the highest if you cannot learn to overcome yourself?

You are making progress, and have achieved much, but take tonight, for instance—you have

your emotions under control, oh yes! But YOU HAVE NOT MASTERED THEM!” Then he

bade us, “Good-night.”

Prompted by everyone I wrote down all that had been said, so I did not have time to think

over that last remark until the next day, when it became blatantly obvious. Not once during

the evening had I uttered a kind word to John over his mistake; in fact I had been so intent

on ignoring the whole incident that I had unconsciously also ignored John! As always, all of

Rudy’s remarks, and they are not all noted here, were well-aimed darts.