As a member of the Spiritual Workers Association ~ Joseph complies with the "GUIDELINES FOR MEDIUMS"
The members of the Spiritual Workers Association are striving to raise standards in the field of Mediumship and Psychic work. To achieve this members of the SWA have drawn up sets of guidelines for different disciplines and a code of conduct to which all members have agreed to adhere.
This is a copy of the full Guidelines for Mediums.
GUIDELINES FOR MEDIUMS
Mediumship is about providing proof of life after physical death. Broadly speaking mediums believe that we are essentially spirit and when the body dies the spirit continues. A medium's role is to bring evidence of this loved one's survival and continuing existence after they have died their physical death. Because the intention is to prove life after physical death these messages should be evidence based. However, because evidence is very subjective and very personal it is quite hard to define. What is evidence to one person may not be to another and vice versa.
Although evidence can take many forms it should be evidence that is personal to recipient/enquirer and means something to the recipient/enquirer. This could be in the words or mannerisms that can be attributed to the person coming through or in the form of more direct evidence such as ages, names, descriptions, memories, how they passed, anniversaries or something similar. These are, however, just examples. Even if the message does not contain these it could still provide the evidence that you need.
Sometimes evidence that is given will not be immediately identifiable. It may only be after discussion with other members of the family that information comes to light that the recipient may not have previously known, or, because our memories are not always as quick and as accurate as we might like, we may not recognise the evidence until later. It should also be remembered that mediums are individuals and as such work in different ways.
A medium may also be expected to aspire to bring spiritual advice and guidance to those living on the earth plane, and to bring spiritual teachings through to those who wish to hear them.
Mediums working on public platform, whether in a church or secular centre, should always ask the recipient's permission to give them a communication from spirit before proceeding with the contact and giving a message. This can be as simple as just saying ‘is it ok to come to you?’
Mediums should always be mindful of the possible impact of that message, and be very wary of passing on anything that might be construed as of a negative nature.
Mediums should remember that they represent the SWA and the spiritual movement as a whole, and ensure that they are clean and tidy in appearance.
Except in cases of emergency, mediums should always ensure they notify churches, centres or individual clients as soon as possible if they are not able to honour an arrangement or commitment. If possible they should try and find a replacement.
As ambassadors of the Spiritual movement and SWA, mediums should moderate their language and show respect when they speak towards those they serve, both in this world and in Spirit.
Although a medium may give spiritual advice and guidance and/or may pass on advice on personal and private matters from loved ones in spirit, it should be made clear that it is only advice and/or guidance. It should also be made clear to sitters and recipients of messages and readings that they are personally responsible for any decisions they make. The medium is there to pass on their interpretation of the message they are receiving, they are not there to take responsibility for any choices the sitter/recipient may make as a result of the reading/message.
However, there are also some things that are totally unacceptable:
For instance a medium should not state any of the following whilst demonstrating mediumship or when giving a private sitting:
Tell you that someone is going to die
Tell you that someone who is ill is going to get better
Tell you to change your job
Tell you to leave your partner
Tell you to move house
Tell you your partner is going to leave you
Tell you your partner is going to or is having an affair
Tell you that your prayers are not answered if you are too emotional
Tell you that you need to pay to have your aura repaired
Tell you that you need to pay to have a curse lifted
Tell you that you or your relatives are going to die unless you pay money
Tell you that you or your relatives will have bad luck unless you pay money
Tell you that you need to buy specific spiritual artefacts/books *
Tell you that you should attend specific workshops/courses *
Neither should a Medium:
Reveal the names of people that have been given readings to a third party
Repeat anything they have given as a reading
Reveal any information about you to a third party
Give obviously confidential information in a public arena
Embarrass a sitter or member of an audience
Use information gained from a reading or message to the detriment of the recipient
Use information gained from a reading to materially, emotionally, physically or sexually abuse or control the recipient
Act in any way that could cause offence
Not turn up to an appointment or engagement without prior notice except in cases of emergency
Become publicly embroiled in religious arguments
Go into deep trance during mediumship unless there is someone present who is able to take responsibility and it has been previously agreed in writing
Give messages to those under the age of consent (18) without a chaperone present and parental consent in writing
Give instructions to people about how to open up without teaching protection
Hold development circles without proper training **
Carry out exorcisms or house clearances alone and without proper training **
THE ROLE OF THE SWA
The Association was set up to support both spiritual workers and members of the public, to ensure that spiritual workers are working to the highest possible standards and that the general public are informed about the structure and content of a high quality message.
As such the Association offers information and education to members of the public so that they will understand more about mediumship.
IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND SOMETHING THAT IS SAID
Because it can often seem that mediums and psychics use jargon mediums will try to make sure that they always explain any words or phrases that may be confusing.
However, if there is anything you do not understand please ask and they will explain.
Should you find that explanation unsatisfactory you can always contact The Spiritual Workers Association on 01621 869567
or Email info@spiritualworkersassociation.org.uk
or visit the website www.theswa.org.uk where there is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
You should remember, however, that because spiritual philosophy is a matter of interpretation there is often more than one acceptable explanation.
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT
The SWA hope that you will enjoy public demonstrations and private sittings and find them to be positive and uplifting experiences; however, if you do have a complaint, the SWA has a complaints procedure.
You can find out more by contacting the SWA using the contact details above.
* It is perfectly acceptable to pass on spiritual advice whilst giving a reading or demonstration on mediumship that suggests the client should read spiritual books or attend workshops in general as long as you do not endorse a particular book or course in which you have a financial interest.
** The definition of proper training is yet to be agreed. This will be done after those who are drawing up training guidelines have finished and members have voted to accept them.