The Regulation of Mediumship

In principle this is a good idea. However the problem lies within the subject matter. How can you regulate something that is so unique? In my view, each person works for spirit in totally different and unique ways.

For example, when spirit is around me, I feel what I call the ‘spirit shivers’ down one side of my body. Having run a circle for some years now, I know that every single person in my circle will have their own individual sign that spirit is around – and not one of them will be the same as mine. Our Spiritual signature will be as individual to us as our fingerprint so how can anyone possibly give a certificate in this?

The other point I make is this – who would be the examiner? Who amongst us has the knowledge to preside over spirit? The SNU hold various certified courses (http://www.snu.org.uk/education/educ_basic.html) but this is only in their own religion – what if I am not a spiritualist? I am not here to bash Spiritualism (and no, I am not a Spiritualist) but who gave them the authority to say who can and cannot be a medium?

Thirdly, however you try and regulate, people can pass your examination and still not practice what you have taught them.
I remember being horrified when one of my students met a celebrity medium and launched into giving them a private reading – without them asking and in front of a whole load of people – even though I had taught them that this is something you should never do (i.e.; give someone a reading that a) they haven’t asked for and b) in inappropriate circumstances).

There are already forms of regulation in place anyway. All practitioners (whether mediums, ghost hunters or healers) should hold public liability insurance and they are breaking the law if the practice without it. There is also the Fraudulent Mediums Act (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/14-15/33/section/1) in place (this is why we all have to write the words ‘for entertainment purposes only’ on our websites etc) which would deal with rank fraudsters.

It’s an interesting debate and one which will continue for some time – what do you think?