Eric joins us for the very first time at Horwich, demonstration his ability of Trance Mediumship. This demonstration is strictly ticket only with all tickets purchased in advance at our services or online. For those yet to experience Trance Mediumship, here's what the Spiritualist National Union state's about it: Spirit-controlled mediumship is often referred to as trance mediumship; however, the spirit control is the primary object. The medium being able to achieve an altered state of consciousness is a prerequisite to the spirit being able to establish 'control'. Control is the object; trance is the enabler. The mind of the controlling spirit blends with the mind of the medium, who is in a passive and receptive altered state of consciousness. The medium is receptive and willing to be used by the 'spirit controls'. The medium can stop this control at any time if they wish to do so. One of Spiritualisms first pioneers, Andrew Jackson Davis, worked in a mesmeric-induced, entranced state; however, in 1847 he declared that he no longer needed a mesmerist to enable him to move into that state and declared that "by his own will alone he could move into what he called 'the Superior Condition' ". As the gradual coming together of minds takes place with the mediums permission, the controlling spirit operatives establish control. The personality and presence of the controlling spirit should be evident to all present. The medium will experience various levels of consciousness ranging from a very light altered state to an extremely passive one where they will have little awareness of what is taking place. This form of mediumship usually takes quite a long time to develop to the level where the medium can become purely a passive observer. The control is not just of the voice: the spirit operative can, and often does, animate the body of the medium with different mannerisms and movement which can be observed. From the mediums point of view, the entranced state is the suspension of ordinary consciousness of external surroundings, which can best be described as a semi-conscious state in which the entranced person has subdued the ability to employ their normal powers of observation. Perceptive mental mediumship is primarily used to provide personal communication and evidence of survival, whereas control mental mediumship brings forward the higher spirit teachings and healing to benefit all of mankind. The latter brings ideas and teaching to provide mankind with the opportunity to make a difference for good in our world. Inspirational speaking should not be confused with spirit-controlled speaking.