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What is Spiritualism?

It is a Philosophy, Science and Religion that is based on the belief of the continuous existence of the human soul after death, and the ability to communicate with those spirits.

When Did Modern Spiritualism Start?

Aspects of the Spiritualist Philosophy actually date right back to the very early ages. Modern Spiritualism which became a movement started with the Fox sisters Kate and Margaretta, at their family home in Hydesville on March 31st 1848. Their sister Leah helped to promote them with the media.

It is believed that they had contact from a man known to have died in the house. From this, many small groups gathered together, spreading across America, then quickly to England and Europe in 1852. It then came to the Australian goldfields in Victoria in the 1860’s. Today there are now countless churches, centres and groups that have been formed around the world.

Who Are Spiritualists?

The majority of Spiritualists are people who at some time were part of an orthodox religion, discovering that the knowledge presented was very limited, leaving many incomplete answers to questions. These people are of all ages, race and creed, who wish to have the freedom to explore their own understanding, which will assist them in having a better concept of life and its origin, without feeling restricted by the limited views of others. People are encouraged to be responsible for their own actions and to take control of their own life. Those given the chance to seek out truth and beliefs as they apply to themselves.

Modern Spiritualism is referred to as more than a religion, it is a ‘way of life’ with meaning and purpose.

What Do Spiritualists Believe?

Spiritualism has no dogma or creed. Every being is seen as an individual looking to expand their own awareness and understanding surrounding their role in life.

The Seven Principals of Spiritualism:

These principals are given as inspired guidelines and are open to interpretation to suit your own particular circumstances. They are:

1. THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
2. THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
3. THE COMMUNION OF SPIRITS AND THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
4. THE CONTINOUS EXISTENCE OF THE HUMAN SOUL
5. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
6. COMPENSATION AND RETRIBUTION HEREAFTER FOR ALL GOOD AND EVIL DEEDS DONE ON EARTH
7. ETERNAL PROGRESS OPEN TO EVERY HUMAN SOUL

Spiritualists accept that there is a greater intelligence. Some call it the life force, the universe, an all knowing, ever present energy, ‘God’ that poured forth all of life, leaving within each of us a spark of itself. A source of love and good constantly available to each and every one of us. We believe that we all follow our own path at our own pace, discovering the god within and bringing us a greater knowledge of this divine source.

Our basic believe is in the continuation of life and that death is just a transition to another level of consciousness. We see life as eternal. We are a spirit co-existing in a physical body. After death, or the releasing of the physical, our spirit and personality in the form of our thoughts and emotions continue to live in the other form on a different plane of existence. Spiritualists recognise psychic faculties as a natural ability, perhaps latent however, but is another one of our senses.

Meditation is an important aspect used in the development and awareness of these areas, and is a natural progression toward spiritual unfoldment. As we experience many things on our journey through life, we find ourselves likening life to the classroom in which we learn many lessons.

WHAT IS THE LYCEUM MANUAL
(TEACHINGS OF SPIRITUALISM)

Church of the Australian Spiritual Lyceum and The Lyceum Manual

Spiritualism is a religion that embodies the main ideas of all religions, that there is a life after death, immortality and the existence of a God.

“The aim of Spiritualism is to effect an at-one-ment and unison of Humanity with God until every action and thought of Humanity is in perfect harmony with the Divine Will.

(Adapted from the Spiritualists’ Lyceum Manual)

The Lyceum Manual is a practical work book that incorporates the ideas of progressive and Spiritual Teachings. It is a guide and reference as a Teacher and it is studied in depth. It is gathered information on the basic understanding of Spiritualism. Our Church is based on the Lyceum Manual and its teachings.

The word Lyceum, was the name that was given originally to a gymnasium and garden with covered walks near the temple of Apollo Lyceus at Athens. Aristotle taught there, which is how the name was applied to his school of Philosophy.

Below is some information on how the Lyceum Manual came about and is taught world wide as of today.

Andrew Jackson Davis used this name for Spiritualist Sunday Schools, which he inaugurated in 1863. The Lyceum was first published in 1887.

Andrew Jackson Davis (1826 -1910) – Founder of the Lyceum Movement

The young Andrew Jackson Davis was a trance medium who enabled his Spirit helpers to dictate books that were then transcribed and printed. He was able to ‘Journey’ when in the trance state and visit the Spiritual planes. He compared the way children were educated in the Summerland (spirit-world) to the way they were educated on Earth and it was his belief that the methods used by Spirit were superior to those here. Andrew Jackson Davis spoke of this in a lecture at Dodsworth Hall on January 25th 1863; the Lyceum was inaugurated at that meeting.

Alfred Kitson (1855 – 1934)
(He became known as Dad Kitson, the Father of the British Lyceum Movement)

Born in Gawthorpe, West Riding Yorkshire, the young Alfred Kitson was strictly brought up a Methodist. His Father investigated Spiritualism, expecting to find evidence of fraud; instead, he developed as a Medium. Alfred became convinced that the Spiritualist religion could help mankind and he devoted his efforts, and his heart, to work for children and the Lyceum. Alfred wrote several books.

Harry Kersey – First President of the Spiritualists’ Lyceum Union

Harry Kersey came from Newcastle upon Tyne and collaborated with Alfred Kitson and Emma Hardinge Britten on the production of the Lyceum Manual. He paid for this to be printed and later worked on the Spiritual Songster with his sister.

Emma Hardinge Britten – who co-produced the Lyceum Manual

Emma Hardinge Britten, was a famous medium of the 19th century, who spoke publicly and wrote prolifically to support the growth of the Spiritualist movement. Emma received the Principles of Spiritualism from the communicating Spirit of Robert Owen. The original Principles are in the bound volume of ‘Medium and Daybreak’ 1871.

Emma Hardinge Britten played a pivotal role in organising and bringing together Spiritualists, both by her powerful inspired speaking and her ability to communicate by pen and publish to a wider audience. At the first National Conference in 1890, Emma advocated her concept for the fundamental basis of Spiritualist Philosophy which later became the Seven Principles of SNU Spiritualism.

What Happens During A Church Service?

Our services are similar in purpose but different in format to the traditional service. We have blessings of candles for our church and loved ones, an inspirational verse, prayers, an address based on our philosophies, and a meditation with healing. We sing uplifting songs, as we find that it brings our gathering together and raises our thoughts above everyday concerns. This creates and harmonises the vibrations, and links the physical life (incarnate) and the free spirits (discarnate), joining the two energies for stronger communication. We also give a demonstration of communication with the afterlife with our mediums. We call this ‘platform’ work, ‘overheads’, or a ‘demonstration of spirit’.

Get In Touch

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DISCLAIMER: The information on these pages is intended as a guide only. The Church of the Australian Spiritual Lyceum accepts no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. No Liability is taken.