Spiritualism - This is Spiritualism By Maurice Barbanell -Blowing the cobwebs off another book from my bookcase.

This is Spiritualism

by

Maurice Barbanell

This is a Hardback copy, published by Herbert Jenkins Limited, London, first published 1959,

My copy is a Second Impression 1961

The inside dustwrapper blurb....

'After thirty seven years of research and inquiry Maurice Barbanell is acknowledged to be one of the best-informed authorities on Spiritualism as we know it today.  he has lectured widely on the subject on both sides of the Atlantic and from his contact with these audiences and the recurring questions they ask, he has come to know precisely which are the aspects of Spiritualism most perplexing and confusing to the lay mind.

It is on this knowledge that he has based this remarkable book. From the outset his purpose has been to explain, not to convert,it being no part of his intention to crusade in the name of Spiritualism. He is content solely to present the facts and leave the reader to draw his own conclusions,though he makes no secret of the direction in which his own convictions lie.

The many examples of psychic experience that he quotes - drawn from people in every walk of life - make quite extraordinary reading.....

........Containing some of the most remarkable spirit photographs ever published, this is a book of the widest possible appeal.'

Illustrations from the book showing photographs of  'the materialisation of a spirit form.  An assistant holds the curtain to reveal the entranced medium Ethel Post-Parrish, of Pennsylvania,USA.'

Useful Links:

http://whitecrowbooks.com/features/page/maurice_barbanell_silver_birch

 http://metaphysicalarticles.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/spiritualism-maurice-barbanell-spirit.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=maurice+barbanell&sprefix=maurice+barbanell%2Caps%2C148

I reveal the next book from my Private Bookcase 'Travellers in Eternity' by Geraldine Cummins 1948

TRAVELLERS IN ETERNITY

BEING SOME DESCRIPTIONS OF LIFE AFTER DEATH WITH EVIDENCE, FROM SCRIPTS

OF

GERALDINE CUMMINS

1948

PYSCHIC PRESS LTD LONDON

'This book consists of a series of personal communications received over a period of four years or so through the mediumship of Miss Geraldine Cummins.  They purport to come from my late sister-in-law, "Hilda," and are mostly in the form of letters.'

E.B.GIBBES. ( PREFACE )

Before the first chapter, there is a 'PROLOGUE' communicated by "Hilda" who tells of her immediate experiences after she died and found herself  to be 'delighted' as she was welcomed by members of her family after many years of separation.

The book consists of very detailed accounts of  the 'afterlife' as experienced by Hilda and her family.  The communications are through what is known as 'automatic writing'; where a medium receives the thoughts of  another entity or spirit, and writes them down almost 'automatically'. 

A good example of automatic writing, the type of mediumship that was prevalent at the time. There are many references to the events of the time period from 1935 to 1948.

It is an account of an 'ordinary' family in the afterlife, and what happens to those 'newbly passed over. 'Hilda' states that she wants,'what I have to say to be understood by almost everybody. So clever and learned people won't believe any of it. I don't know the meaning of the long words scholars,professors and philosophers use. I shan't, therefore, use them.'

The language seems dated, but it is of the time.

This book was given to me, or rather, bequeathed to me, by a dear friend.

This copy is the 1948 Hard back with yellow cloth binding. No dustwrapper, title on spine in red.

'No cheap edition of this book will be issued' is stated below the date of publication.

I have checked on Amazon uk, but this copy is listed as 'currently unavailable.'

There are other titles available by this author.

Useful Links: For more information about Geraldine Cummins: 

http://www.survivalafterdeath.info/mediums/cummins.htm

PRIVATE DOWDING - A PLAIN RECORD OF THE AFTER-DEATH EXPERIENCES OF A SOLDIER KILLED IN BATTLE.....

Hello readers, welcome to my blog page. Here is the next pile of books from my dusty old beloved bookcase:

The book that I will show you today is PRIVATE DOWDING, By Wellesley Tudor Pole.

'a plain record of the after-death experiences of a soldier killed in battle and some questions on world issues answered by the messenger who taught him wider truths.'

Published by Neville Spearman 6th edition 1966 Hardback

With Notes by Wellesley Tudor Pole

The notes inside the dust wrapper, ....

'To me it seems a very wonderful thing that this book should have come to birth at all.  There is a breadth of vision in it worthy of a great thinker, and a style which stamps it as literature.' Max Pemberton

Private Dowding was first published in 1917 and immediately ran through four impressions.  It was not reprinted again until 1943.  Here now, is a new edition by the Author of two remarkable later books, The silent Road and A Man Seen Afar.

'Somewhere within the soul there is silence.

Attain unto it.  It is a pearl of great price.'

INTRODUCTION

'On Monday, 12th March 1917, I was walking by the sea when I felt the presence of someone.  I looked round; no one was in sight.  All that day I felt as if someone were following me, trying to reach my thoughts.  Suddenly I said to myself, 'it is a soldier.  He has been killed in battle and wants to communicate!'  That evening I happened to call upon a lady who possesses some degree of clairvoyant power. I had forgotten about the soldier, until she described a man dressed in khaki, sitting in a chair near me.  He was gazing intently in my direction........

.....I came home and sat down at my writing-table.  Immediately my pen moved.  Did I move it? Yes, in an involuntary sort of way.  The thoughts were not my own, the language was a little unusual.  Ideas were mainly conveyed in short simple phrases.  It would really seem as if some intelligence outside myself were speaking through my mind and my pen......'

This book contains the messages received by the Author, from' Thomas Dowding.' They are set down, he states, 'exactly as they reached me.'

To find out more about the Author: http://sueyounghistories.com/archives/2010/05/11/wellesley-tudor-pole-1884-%E2%80%93-1968/

This book is still available to purchase in various editions on Amazon.

Also from Whitecrowbooks:
http://whitecrowbooks.com/books/page/private_dowding_the_personal_story_of_a_soldier_killed_in_battle/

Angels, Twin Flames and Soul Wisdom - Twelve Steps To Heaven. ....Slow Book Tour of Private Collection...Spirituality ....

Hello friends!  I am writing this rather late today.  If you are in the UK it's just gone 10pm.  That's because I have been reading today's book!

 I don't remember when or where I got the book, but it looked interesting so I thought that I would begin reading at least some of it first.  So here it is...

Twelve Steps To Heaven - Introducing Twin Flames, Angels and Soul Wisdom.By Jayne Chilkes

Published by Writers Club Press 2001 USA   ISBN:0-595-18627-0

This book continues from the Authors previous one:

 The Call of an Angel

It tells of the Authors spiritual path and her involvement with a special soul group.  This book includes the training and steps involved in becoming a channel for this group.

 

I will have to make it a short one tonight, but may add more info tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by.  

Sharon x

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer - Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life - Living The Wisdom Of The Tao -

Good Morning bloggers! My next book chosen at random from my bookcase in the corner is this rather large, thick paperback:

'In this extraordinary book, the Author has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has written 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao tzu to today's modern world.  Each chapter is designed for actually living the Tao or 'Great Way' today.'

'Wayne spent an entire year reading, researching and meditating on Lao Tzu's messages, practising them each day and ultimately writing down these essay's as he felt Lao Tzu wanted you to know them.'

'This is a work to be read slowly, one essay a day. As Wayne says,' This is a book that will forever change the way you look at your life, and the result will be that you'll live in a new world aligned with nature.' This book will thrill anyone interested in living a happier, more inspired life.'

Dr Wayne W. Dyer   

The Author is a well known writer and speaker in the self-development genre.  He has many best sellers including audios and videos.  He has also appeared on television and Radio programmes.

A list of published works can be found in the present volume.

Contents Page:

Progress is impossible without change,and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

 - George Bernard Shaw.

In the Preface, the Author explains how he came to write this book, after a year of research, contemplation and application of the Tao Te Ching.  He then talks about the background of the Tao, and of the Chinese prophet Lao-tzu.

He outlines how he 'felt called upon' to write an essay for each verse that would show its wisdom could be applied to our world today.

Having never read the Tao before, I found this book easy to read and understand.  I read it one chapter a night. So it took me a while to finish. However, I don't think its a book that you read and then never pick up again. It's more a book to dip into at any time.

Inspiring,enlightening and recommended for seekers of truth who wish to widen their reading to gain knowledge from 'one of the profoundest books in the world's philosophy....' as the Book of Tao has been described, then Dr Wayne W.Dyer has made this accessible to the 21stCentury reader.

My copy is a 2007 paperback, published by Hay House UK. LTD

ISBN 978-1-4019-1536-0

useful links:

http://www.drwaynedyer.com/

Hay House Uk

http://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Thoughts-Living-Wisdom/dp/140191750X

So that's my book for today! Hope you feel inspired to read more.  Until next time, 

Have a happy Tuesday xxx

SILVER BIRCH SPEAKS - BY SYLVIA BARBANELL - BOOK 4 OF MY LIBRARY TOUR -

Silver Birch Speaks by Sylvia Barbanell. Psychic Book Club 2nd impression, 1954, London. Hard back red binding. No dust cover.

This is the next book taken from my bookcase in the corner.  One of my favourites, Silver Birch is /was a Spirit Guide, that spoke through an entranced Medium.

 In the words of Sylvia Barbanell, speaking about Silver Birch, 'He expounds a way of life to the people of this day and age. This highly evolved being has adopted the anonymity of a simple North American Indian in order to cloak his true spiritual status. He always stresses the fact that it is the message that is important and not the messenger.'

Add caption

Picture of Silver Birch (from Google images)

Silver Birch was the Spirit Guide of Maurice Barbanell, the founder of the Spiritualist newspaper,'Psychic News'.

Here is a link to further information about Silver Birch:

http://www.silverbirchpublishing.co.uk

There are many books published about the Medium and the Spirit Guide's Teachings.

It's ages since I read this book, but I remember being impressed by it at the time. I will be reading it again. 

It is a little dated,being first published in 1949....

but the wisdom contained is timeless.

'The message of Silver Birch is to spread knowledge of the unchanging truths that govern the universe...

It is to spread this spirit guide's wisdom that the members of what is called Hannen Swaffer's home circle meet regularly. Silver Birch's words are taken down verbatim in shorthand during the sittings.'

Sylvia Barbanel in the foreword.

You can see from the Contents page, illustrated above, that this book gives examples of Silver Birch's teachings on a wide variety of topics.

He answers questions such as, 'How do the dead pass their time?',

What is a Medium, and what happens when a Medium is in Trance.

Who or what are our guides?

If you have not read any of Silver Birch, then I would recommend that you look into it.  There are many books and articles available.

Until next time, I wish you happy reading and if you are inspired to begin your own Spiritual search, please leave comments to encourage others.

Sharon x

Virtual Book Tour through my private Library of Spiritual books, collected over 30 years - WELLESLEY TUDOR POLE - The Silent Road - In the Light of Personal Experience 1969 edition

Hello and welcome to my Blog.  Please take a few minutes to say hello.

Well here is my third book from the bookcase in the corner.  Some of these books have not seen the light of day for years.  I'm enjoying getting them out again, and find myself wanting to read them again!  Especially since Mum died recently, and unexpectedly. I miss her so much, and want reassurance that she is ok.  I already have a conviction that we are Spirit beings, using a physical body to gain experiences upon Earth. I know that our time on this Earthly life is temporary.  But I still feel grief as I miss her physical presence.

Death is a subject that no one wants to talk about.  We all try to ignore it and get on with our lives. This is the way it should be.  But it is also something that involves everyone.  Since as long as I can remember, I have questioned life.  I have always wanted to know more about the big mysteries of our Universe, and how it came about. How we originated and why?  What happens after death?

So the books in this Blog represent some of the sources that I have used to further my knowledge.  I will tell you more at a later time, but for now let's have a look at another book.

I have not put these books in any particular order of preference etc, they are just taken as a random sample from the shelves.

 

THE SILENT ROAD - IN THE LIGHT OF PERSONAL EXPERENCE

BY

WELLESLEY TUDOR POLE

This book was given to me by a friend, a long time ago,but has lain forgotten in the bookcase.  I admit that I have not yet read it. Looking at the contents pages, it promises to be an interesting read.
Until next post, wishing you peace and love.
Sharon x

Life After Death - What Happens When You Die?

What happens when you die? Book number two from my spooky bookcase is:

EMBRACED BY THE LIGHT,

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIE?

By Betty J. Eadie

A detailed description of what happened to the Author between 'dying' after an operation, to her recovery, after a few hours.

Described as, 'the most profound near-death experience ever,' and, ' ..one of the most convincing arguments for the existence of life after death...'

This copy of the book is a 1994 Aquarian Press, hard cover edition.

It was originally published 1992, by Gold Leaf Press, USA.

Various editions are available to buy on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk

This was one of those books that I could not put down.

There is a Foreword by Melvin Morse, MD, where he tells us, 'There is a great secret contained in Embraced by the Light. It is something that the great prophets and spiritual leaders have tried to tell us for thousands of years. Betty Eadie learned it by nearly dying.  It has the power to change your life.'

Betty Eadie

She returns from clinical death with '...a simple message of love.' 

'If we are kind, we will have joy,'....but before we can feel joy, we must know sorrow.'

This is a book that I am definately going to read again! 

'You will not fail to be moved by Betty's story.  A devoted mother with a loving family, she embarked on a voyage of discovery, leaving her body and learning 'the joy of spiritual freedom'. She saw more, perhaps, than any other person has seen before, and came back with an almost photographic view. Embraced by the light recounts the people she met, the truths she learned and the magnificent realities of the spirit world.'

I hope this has encouraged you to read more about 'Life after Death,' and 'Near Death Experiences,' and that you will go on to study more about this subject.  After all, it is one of the most important stages of life! Something which is going to affect each of us one day. That is a certainty!

Until next time, have a lovely and loving day,

 Sharon xxx

DIRECT VOICE - THE MEDIUMSHIP OF JOHN C. SLOAN

Today I want to continue talking about the first book from my collection:

ON THE EDGE OF THE ETHERIC, OR SURVIVAL AFTER DEATH SCIENTIFICALLY EXPLAINED  BY ARTHUR FINDLAY

I want to point out to you that this book is about the Author's experiences with what is known as a 'direct voice' Medium.  This is where actual voices other than the medium, are heard by people present.  These 'voices' are purported to be those of  spirits and are recognised as friends or family that have died and that are known to the audience. 

The Author, Arthur Findley, satisfied himself that these phenomena were genuine. He regards himself to be very fortunate to have met Mr. John C. Sloan, a 'Direct Voice' Medium.

In the presence of Mr Sloan, 'when conditions were suitable, voices quite extraneous to the medium,' he states,'spoke to me, claiming to be those of friends who, in my ignorance, I had looked upon as dead. These voices are not produced by the medium,and they occur, not only when others are present, but also when he and I ARE ALONE TOGETHER.'

'They are not produced by any means of trickery, and I have come, after years of thought, to believe that those we call DEAD LIVE ON AS MEN AND WOMEN in a duplicate etheric body, and are able to manifest their presence again in this material world of ours....'

He then continues in detail to describe the process that enables the spirits to manifest.

Its mind boggling stuff !!! But fascinating.

Mr Findlay is meticulous in his explanation of the science behind the phenomena, and also takes the reader into a historical background surrounding the subject.

He ends his introduction by stating ;

I WISH TO SAY, WITH ALL THE STRENGTH AT MY COMMAND, THAT THERE IS CONTINUITY OF LIFE, THAT NOTHING IS LOST, AND LIFE IS NO EXCEPTION.'

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THOSE NOW LIVING IN BODIES COVERED WITH PHYSICAL MATTER, AND THOSE WHO HAVE DISCARDED THEIR PHYSICAL BODIES IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE, BUT TAKES PLACE UNDER SUITABLE CONDITIONS.'

Here is a link about the subject:
http://website.lineone.net/~enlightenment/john_sloan.htm

http://www.victorzammit.com/evidence/directvoicemediums.htm

another link

Thanks for stopping by, please call again and leave a comment or just say hello.

Next time I will be showing you another book from my 'spooky' collection. Until then, have a nice day.xxx
Here is a beautiful song by a lovely lady
https://soundcloud.com/fionamusicinthe-lakes/03-how-long-will-i-love-you https://soundcloud.com/fionamusicinthe-lakes/03-how-long-will-i-love-you

Arthur Findley writes about Survival after Death....

Part Two of  preview of 'On the Edge of the Etheric or Survival after Death Scientifically Explained.' By Arthur Findley.

The blurb on the front of this book's dust wrapper states that this is 

'THE BOOK THAT MAKES THE SPIRIT WORLD UNDERSTANDABLE'.......

also that it is......

'REVOLUTIONISING THE SCIENTIFIC and RELIGIOUS THOUGHT of GREAT BRITAIN'.......

and....

'THIS BOOK MARKS THE ENTRANCE TO A NEW AGE OF THOUGHT'...

The illustration of  partially opened doors is labelled as the :

'ENTRANCE TO PSYCHIC KNOWLEDGE'

Through the doors we see a rising sun with the words:

'THE NEW REVELATION'...

This is a book that is trying very hard to get noticed!

The bold claims challenge the reading public to at least put aside their preconceptions and rise to the spark of curiosity that no doubt has been kindled.

It shouts 'open me' and 'read me.'

The contents do not disappoint! 

To give you a taste of what the book is about, here is an 

Extract from the Author's Forward to the first Impression:

'This book contains a faithful record of what I experienced on the dates given, taken from notes recorded at the time. Nothing has happened since then to alter my belief that I was privileged to experience phenomena supernormal in character and of comparatively infrequent occurrence. That these phenomena do occur, and that I actually was in touch with those who once lived on Earth, and were known by the names they gave, I have not the least doubt.'

ARTHUR FINDLEY

Stansted Hall, Essex,

September 1931.

Interesting diagram follows the 5 pages of Author's Forwards:

'THE ABOVE CHART MAKES CLEAR HOW LIMITED ARE OUR SENSE PERCEPTIONS, ONLY THE BLACK PORTION REPRESENTS THE VISIBLE SPECTRUM.

THIS IS ALL WE SENSE OF THE INNUMERABLE ETHERIC WAVES MAKING UP THE UNIVERSE.....'

I hope that this preview has been of interest. Please leave your comments and if you require any further info about this book.

Various editions and formats of this book can be obtained via:

http://www.amazon.co.uk

Virtual Book Tour - New blog sharing my collection of 30+ years of Mystical books. I begin by unlocking the hidden secrets of the old bookcase ...

I thought it was time to reveal my secret passion - my thirty something years of a search for the meaning of life!!! 

During that time, I have followed my instinct and chosen books, the thoughts held between boards of paper, to aid me in my Quest!

Years of study, some of it fruitless, some enlightening, most of it, nevertheless, I have found to be intensely interesting.

So here, in this little blog, I will attempt to share a few of those books which now lay idle on my creaking bookshelves.

My reasoning behind this activity is to help spark an interest, perhaps, for those who seek wisdom and knowledge on subjects that may help one to gain insight on the mysteries of life and death.

I don't regard myself to be anything but a fellow traveller, and as I walk along the long winding road of truth, I have found many wrong turnings and barriers. I simply show you some of the directions that I have investigated. Directions which may or may not be right for you.

I hope you will enjoy my bookish musings and that you will feel inspired to share your own, too.

Please leave comments and recommendations of your own if you wish.





The Bookcase in the corner ..... Roughly arranged in order of Author....once!
Now random because of several moves around various rooms, and lack of space on other bookshelves.

First random selection of interesting books......

I will start with a book that I read about thirty years ago -

'ON THE EDGE OF THE ETHERIC  OR SURVIVAL AFTER DEATH SCIENTIFICALLY EXPLAINED'  by ARTHUR FINDLEY.

My copy is a 1967 reprint hardback edition. (A 65th impression)  It was first published in 1931.
I have read it several times over the years and it was one of the first books on this subject that I acquired. I think I bought it from a book dealer who used to send me catalogues through the post. Pre internet, pre personal computers!


Front, showing Dust wrapper..

Back of Dust wrapper...

Published by Psychic Press
Light Blue cloth binding
Original price on Dust Wrapper 15s

The blurb on the inside of Dust Wrapper ....

'We retain in the Etheric, to which we pass at death, our bodily appearance, our memories, and our affections.

'As we are now so shall we be hereafter; as we sow so shall we reap.' 

We have come from the Etheric; we return to the Etheric.'

Our physical life is but a small part of our life, which, coming from the Etheric, returns to it at death. 
There it continues to function in a world both real and tangible.'



Inside the book itself there are blank endpapers, followed by 10 pages of 'EXTRACTS from some of the BRITISH PRESS REVIEWS of 'ON THE EDGE OF THE ETHERIC'.

It is quoted as being ' certainly the most widely reviewed book of the Winter Book Season of 1931 - 1932.

Reviews included by, for example, Sir Oliver Lodge,F.R.S., 
The Times,
The very Rev.Dr. Norman Maclean (Ex moderator of the Church of Scotland) preaching on this book in St. Cuthbert's church, Edinburgh (Sunday 28th February 1932),
Colonel the Right Hon. R. G. Sharman Crawford, D.L; Deputy Govenor of Northern Ireland.

The Glasgow Citizen. - 'On The Edge of the Etheric'  is more than welcome. The book is of more than usual interest in view of the fact that Mr. Findley was for many years a prominent stockbroker in the city before retiring to the South of England.  A very interesting book.'

Methodist Recorder. - 'Every Christian believes that the soul survives death, and, therefore, there is no impossibility in the Spiritualistic idea that communication with the dead is a fact.' 

Psychic News. - '.....the most important book in all the literature of Spiritualism.'

' SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND, FOR YOU HAVE AIDS FROM NATURE FOR THE DISCOVERY OF TRUTH.  BUT IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE YOURSELF, BY GOING ALONG THOSE WAYS, TO DISCOVER THAT WHICH FOLLOWS, LISTEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE ENQUIRY.' - EPICTICUS.

This is one of the books that I call a 'signpost book' - it was one of those influential in forming my understanding of the possibility of survival of the death of the physical body.
A  'Oh I see, I get it' - moment, that once realised, could never be lost. 
A stepping stone or a piece of the puzzle...

Contents Page

So that is the end of PART ONE of BOOK ONE....I hope you find it of interest..... I will continue this review in my next post.

Thanks for stopping by....