Channeling is a phenomenon that grew out of the mediumship and séance rage of the early twentieth century. A fascination with contacting the spirits of the dead gave way to a desire to connect with a greater dimensional intelligence and wisdom. The evolving “New Age” movement with its unique blending of eastern and western religious and spiritual thought, brought a desire to experience something of the Akasha—supposedly a cosmic database of everything that has ever existed or will exist. There was also an interest in spiritual beings such as angels, devas, and fairies and a desire to experience them more personally. The vast number of UFO contact accounts created a demand for ways to communicate with beings from other planets.

So Many Questions

There are so many unanswered questions in this dawning of the Aquarian age, that certain individuals who demonstrate an ability to go beyond the limits of normal conscious barriers are in demand by a great many people. These individuals sense the changes occurring in the world as we enter a new age and they want answers about what the universe is all about and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.

Feared

As recently as 30 years ago, channelers or mediums kept a pretty low public profile. They often came under fire from the local well-meaning church-going folk who feared that channelers were involved in Devil worship and black magic. In those days, most people associated channeling and mediumship with the “Hollywood” version of glow-in-the-dark seances.

A few mediums gained some respectability and fame. Many mediums were debunked as fakes and frauds. However, most sincere, genuine mediums had a modest following and helped those who came to them for advice and guidance.

1980s

In the 1980’s everything changed. Suddenly there were channelers everywhere. Some became world famous. Seth, one of the first superstar channeled energies, who came through Jane Roberts, imparted volumes of knowledge and wisdom about life beyond the material and astral worlds.

Ramtha

Another famous channel called himself Ramtha. This rather dramatic entity used J.Z. Knight’s body to teach the Ramtha version of how the universe works. This also brought Ms. Knight a sizeable income. Ramtha suffered mighty blows as rumors of fakery were circulated among the devoted fans. Her books, however, are as popular as ever. Then there is the well-respected Lazarus, whose books, tapes and videos have been popular for many years.

And Others

All these channelers pack in seekers of truth like ants at a picnic. There are myriads of others who gained some degree of fame and reputation as genuine channels: Ashtar Command, Michael, Yada, Djwal Khul, St. Germain, Dr. Peebles, and Solaris are only a few well-known channeled energies.

Attention Grabbers

Which channelers are truly who and what they claim? It seems some people with a little psychic ability jump on the bandwagon when they don’t really know what they’re doing. These people usually give out farfetched idealism, or spout gloom and doom dramatics. Often, these attention grabbers burst into fame and fortune (or try to) then fizzle out into obscurity or discredit, while genuine channelers keep a steady and secure paced of teaching and service.

Difference between Channeler and Medium

Many professional channelers cringe at the thought of being called a “medium.” But what is the difference between a channeler and a medium? For some, only the name. For others, each focuses on a different source for their messages. Mediums are specially trained (usually in England) to contact the spirits of the dead who have passed over into the astral planes. They come through the medium to give reassurance and proof of their survival to loved ones still living. A channeler’s sources are often beings from greater dimensions such as gods, goddesses, angels, or other all-knowing beings. The messages are less advice on love, money and family, and more on spiritual growth, karma, reincarnation, and advice on how to live a successful life.

Aquarian Age

The ebbing of the Piscean age and Kali Yuga (age of darkness), and the dawning of the Aquarian age are stimulating more and more seekers to find answers. But with so many channelers available, all claiming to have the “keys to heaven,” how do you know who is genuine and who is deluding themselves? How much you are asked to pay is one clue. It’s okay for channelers to charge for services. After all, it is his or her job and channelers have bills like everyone else. But be on guard for obvious greed or dishonesty. Get a reference from someone else. Read about channeling and channeled books to become familiar with the different types of channeling and who is available for consultation. Many channelers also have tapes and videos.

Do Your Homework

After you have been to the channeler, determine whether the information was useful to you. Never totally accept, without question, everything a channeler says. Use your own inner guidance as to whether your session was helpful or not. A channel isn’t a fortuneteller so don’t expect specific answers about your future. Beware of depressing messages of doom and destruction, or outlandish statements of obvious bias such as “Only Christians have the truth.” Be intelligent about choosing a channeler. Do your homework and you could form a long and beneficial relationship with a channel who can guide your through life.