“Channeling” generally involves a skilled person who, often in a trance-like state, communicates with non-physical beings, archetypes, angels, and spiritual intelligences, to relay wisdom and guidance from them. This phenomenon evolved from the mediumship and seance rage of the early 20th century.

New Age Phenomenon

A fascination with contacting the spirits of the dead expanded to include connecting with a greater dimensional intelligence and wisdom. Also, in the early part of the 20th century, the dawning “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, 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. Starting around the 1950’s, the vast number of UFO contact accounts created a demand for ways to communicate with beings from other planets.

Needing Answers

Today’s spiritually confusing times brings so many unanswered questions, 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 the “Aquarian Age” and want answers about the universe and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.

Considered Evil by Some

Before the 1980’s channelers and mediums kept a pretty low public profile because many local well-meaning church-going folk believed channelers were involved in Devil worship and black magic. In those days, many “public” people associated channeling and mediumship were involved in 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

1980’s

In the 1980’s everything changed. Suddenly there were channelers everywhere. Some became world famous. Seth, one of the first superstars, communicated through Jane Roberts, imparting volumes of knowledge and wisdom about life beyond the material.

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. Ramtha suffered mighty blows as rumors of fakery were circulated among the devoted fans. Her books, however, are as popular as ever. Another famous channeler is the well-respected Lazarus, whose books, tapes and videos continue to be in demand.

Channeller or 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.

Who is Real?

Famous channelers attract seekers of truth like ants at a picnic. There are myriads of others who gain 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. 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 do you know which channelers are truly who and what they claim when it seems that so many people with a little psychic ability jump on the bandwagon when they don’t really know what they’re doing.

The Message

One clue is to listen to their message. Fakers and well-meaning wanna-bes often spout vague, idealistic platitudes, or gloom and doom dramatics.

Another way to gauge is to look at how much you are asked to pay. Whether it is okay for channelers to charge for services is a point of controversy among the new age folk. Some believe all cosmic service should be given freely. Others say that channeling is a job and channelers have bills like everyone else.

If you are asked to pay, or donate, be on guard for obvious greed or dishonesty. Get a reference from someone else.

Be Informed

Being informed is an important tool in determining a genuine channeler. Read books by and about channelers and channeling to become familiar with the different types of channeling, and who is available for consultation. Many channelers also have tapes and videos for sale that can give you valuable information to help you decide.

After you have been to the channeler, determine whether the information was useful to you. Never swallow whole, everything a channeler says. Use your own inner guidance as to whether your session was helpful or not.

Not Fortune-tellers

A channel isn’t a fortune-teller 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.

Check out Anita’s book The Art of Channeling in our store.