My experience within the cabinet..

December 8th 2011

2011-12-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

Prior to founding the Bristol Spirit Lodge circle I had, for over twenty years, read heavily into the science of memory and consciousness and in sub-atomic particle physics. I am no academic. I read due to having a hyperative mind and not all that I read 'sank in'...but the subject matter held my interest nevertheless and I gained much theoretical awareness from it.

In 2007 founded the BSL circle as an experiment. Basically, I felt myself to be as spiritual and psychically minded as a brick…and was therefore interested to know whether I could ‘tune in’ to mediumship/ potential external consciousness/ the expanding consciousness of others or something like this. What I really wanted to do was run a circle for the development and demonstration of evidential Physical mediumship. Physical mediumship is often regarded as the ‘top end’ of mediumship. It is also based upon objectivity...so generally others can verify any phenomena effected.

Shortly after seriously considering starting the Lodge experiment I began hearing a voice telepathically. The voice offered me a mass of information that referred to what I was considering doing…so as a result of natural curiosity I made a conscious and considered decision to listen to it. After awhile I came to realise that through thought and spoken word I could engage in a two-way conversation with 'the voice' and gradually became aware that ‘it’ developed an independent personality. I now refer to the voice as FC. FC has told me a bit about his reality since, but as this cannot be verified I remain on the fence...despite 'going along for the ride'.

To clarify the current position…I listen and converse with FC when considering matters relating to the Bristol Spirit Lodge circle. I have come to trust the information I receive. To date, in five years, 'he' has never been proven wrong. I do not use the ‘facility’ outside of the lodge as I feel that FC is part of my chosen experiment and I am not interested in mediumship in general. Although I do have to admit that the subject is fascinating!

About a year ago, at FC’s suggestion I sat in the cabinet six times. I then sat in blackout conditions with Jon as circle host and with supporting sitters present. I learned much from this experience.

NOTE: See ‘Cabinet Experiment’ (older post) below for my reports of those sittings.

So...why did I sit in the cabinet again tonight?

I had three séances planned for this week as usual, and was most surprised when, last week, FC strongly suggested that this weeks Thursday séance should be cancelled. I asked why…and received no response. I looked at the sitter list for this Thursday (tonight) and saw that I could fairly easily cancel the séance without too much disruption to anyone, so I followed FC’s guidance and reluctantly cancelled. A day or so later FC suggested that I sit in the cabinet tonight, with Richard as host. FC made it clear that the sitting should take place in red lighting conditions and without others present. I asked who I should contact instead, if Richard wasn’t available, and was told that in that case I should sit alone! No further guidance was forthcoming. I felt reluctant to ask a favour of Richard…but nevertheless did so. Richard responded to the challenge! This evening’s séance therefore became set.

Nowadays I trust FC totally. No harm has ever come to anyone within the lodge. Therefore I wasn’t nervous before sitting. However it isn't something I would personally choose to do as I much prefer witnessing the development of others, and I am kept busy with running the circle in general.

Prior to Richard’s arrival this evening I felt a bit ‘spaced out’. I feel this sometimes within séance conditions and am familiar with it. I had no particular thoughts about the evening ahead when I answered the door to Richard’s knock at 7.15pm. I noted that he carried a large bag with him, which he promptly took into the lodge whilst I remained in the house wondering what he was up to! I am not habitually a person that trusts easily…but was happy to hand over the key to the lodge and let Richard set the séance according to his preference.

8pm being the time séances commence within the lodge I went out there at the due time to find red lighting conditions set and soft music already playing. I therefore walked to the open cabinet, removed my shoes as usual and sat in the chair. I felt my familiar spirit guide FC around me and ‘heard’ the first part of our usual séance opening music being played (although it fact this was not on the CD that Richard had selected for the evening). Within a few minutes I felt myself settling back into the chair and simply relaxed quite easily into the familiarity of the lodge.

I knew myself to be part-conscious at first…basically I could hear the music being played on the CD but my mind was drifting. I felt-saw various dense shapes within the darkness (red lighting conditions were set and my eyes were closed). I also felt-saw movements within the cabinet. At times I also heard small tapping sounds in the cabinet. At some point in the evening one sound to my left caused me to look closely in that direction (Richard was seated to my right)…I sensed the presence of a child there along with a larger shape that felt familiar to me. At that time I thought of Heinz (primary guide within the Spirit Chamber circle) I knew that my head often turned to look at some of the many dense shapes, although in truth I wasn’t fully aware of the movement of my head…but was rather aware that my head had become moved, or was in a different position to where I’d left it! Also, although my head had turned to apparently look at something my eyes were closed and I actually saw nothing. I had impressions of appearences (a couple of Native American Indians and elderly people and so forth) and I sensed a variety of personalities too. One dark dense shape came too close to me and I remember consciously pressing back...but then I felt FC with me so left the management to him. This is very hard to explain...

My hands each moved sometimes, although I cannot be specific about when, how or why. At one point I knew that both my hands were raised, and as I became aware of this fact I felt FC coming close in an attempt (I felt) to show his face through me. That was really weird! Another time I saw a small 'thing' on my lap, or just above my lap and I remember trying consciously to touch it...my fingers went through it...it was like a hologram.

Another time I felt someone behind me and my back and shoulders sort of pushed forward, as if to lift me from my seat…I think this happened more than once but can’t be certain. At another point I felt shivering (not from cold) running from my feet to my head…this too happened several times I think. I ‘got the giggles’ too sometime…but can’t remember when, and the giggles seemed to be for no reason at all.

During one part of the evening a piece of music playing on the CD came to my conscious mind and made me laugh as it’s familiarly heard in the Spirit Harmony circle. I joked around with it, I think totally consciously, for a few minutes, but after awhile forgot to listen and drifted off again.

Another time I knew my head was held upright and I thought-heard FC say something like ‘show your face’. I was holding my head very still. This too happened more than once...twice or three times.

NOTE: Richard told me afterwards that my face transfigured and that through me he saw two faces that he recognised. I can be no judge of this.

The sitting lasted for almost an hour and a half. At the end I heard a familiar piece of music, and after that FC asked for another…by which time I was ‘back to my normality’.

In all this evening was a very interesting experiment for me. Did I actually enjoy it? Yes, I did. But of more value to me is the fact that I run the BSL circle and sit in support of many developing medium so I feel that tonight’s sitting gave me an insight to what some of them might experience when they sit.

I feel that the experiment was helpful as a bonding exercise for myself and Richard too, as he is sitting for development within the cabinet, it is good that trust has been demonstrated and exchanged between us.

This report is a bit scanty because my memory of things is blurred. As Richard was conscious throughout I have asked him to write a report of the séance from his perspective. Chris Di Nucci

Richard's Report:

Chris (in cabinet)
Richard (supporting)

I arrived at Chris’s home early and set up the séance room for the way I work using my light and music, Chris has no prior knowledge of how I work, or what to expect when I was in control of the conditions. At eight o clock we entered the séance room with the red light already on and the music playing.

Chris sat in the cabinet and we started, I knew on a clairvoyant level that the room was filled with spirit. I feel that this was due to my request for spirit to attend the séance the day before so we could start to work immediately. I informed Chris that I would not talk out loud in the room and that she should just listen to the music and relax. I asked her guide FC to move away from Chris and stay away for as long as possible, this was to let others take control and with this he removed himself to the corner of the room and observed.

As the music played I noticed that Chris’s face was changing and I was aware of several spirits presenting themselves on Chris’s face, this was on a clairvoyant level as I kept the red light very low as this was the first time Chris had sat with me. As we sat I asked spirit to move Chris’s right hand and within one minute her right hand raised, with this I thanked them and told them to relax. Through the evening Chris relaxed with ease and seemed comfortable with me controlling the conditions.

Approximately ten minutes later I asked spirit to move both of Chris’s hands and within minutes both hands raised into the air. Through the evening I tested the communication like this asking for different parts of Chris’s body to be moved, her right foot, her head etc. Each time I made a request spirit responded to each command perfectly without any mistakes.

One of my requests was to give Chris an experience of the power in the room, this would be done by spirit forcing my energy into the cabinet and over loading her body, Chris would know this by an internal shaking or shivering of her body and spirit responded to this without any difficulty. Spirit constantly displayed spirit faces both male and female which presented themselves on Chris’s face and I recognised all of them this was still on a clairvoyant level as the red light was still very low but you could see physical movement.

I became aware at this time that Chris was missing her guide FC and FC wanted to be a part of the evening so I asked FC to move closer to put Chris at ease and stop both of them becoming distressed.

Conclusion:

Chris had set up the evening not knowing what to expect, in her own mind she would be in the cabinet and I would be controlling the music but I had my own agenda. My intent was to test the connection between Chris and spirit and to see if they would respond to my request and if Chris would receive the communication and more importantly respond. Throughout the hour session I did not speak in the séance room at all, all my communication was carried out on a telepathic level with spirit and Chris did not know what I asked spirit to do. With each command I asked it carried out with no problem which proves that the connection was pure and real.

All in all it was a very positive evening of great value for both sides.

Richard Etherington.

Final Word

Having read Richard's report I feel I should point out that I know Richard as primarily a psychic or mental medium with many years experience. He is currently sitting regularly within the Bristol Spirit Lodge for development as a Physical medium.

As Richard didn't speak within tonights experiment it is easy for readers, and myself, to react with scepticism to his report. After all, no-one can be sure aside from himself, whether what he reports is true. Likewise, only I know what I personally experienced whilst seated within the cabinet.

It is natural to be sceptical, and it is healthy to retain this mindset when involved with experiments.
However...as neither myself nor Richard receive payment for anything we do here in the Lodge...and as our participation and dedication is instigated by our desire to learn through investigation, and our involvement involves some financial outlay and our time...it is frankly unlikely that either of us would deliberately disrupt the honest intent of the group as a whole. Finally...this evening Richard and I sat alone together, so, if falsehood took place, who were we setting out to deceive?

For clarity...I founded the lodge with the honest intent to discover Truth. I personally host the BSL circle and invitations to participate are made at my discretion. Therefore I clearly do not mistrust Richard or anyone else in the circle. Likewise, Richard participates of his own free will and if he mistrusted me he would simply not be sitting.

Chris Di Nucci

CABINET EXPERIMENT

2010-11-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

This evening circumstances had contrived to offer me an opportunity to sit within the cabinet. As the lodge has been available to me since the Bristol Spirit Lodge Circle was founded, many such opportunities have been available previously...but I've simply never felt any interest in sitting within this hallowed space.

Basically my reason for founding the Circle was to support the development of physical mediumship, because I want to 'find out for myself' how such things might work, and I want to remain fully conscious and to hold on to my enquiring mind and not loose track of my purpose.  Which is, basically, to support the development of as many Physical Medium's as possible...so that when I 'pass over' there are many to continue to promote this form of mediumship.

Why do I consider physical mediumship to be so important? Simply because I, as a devout atheist and happy sceptic always believed, and taught my kids, that we have just one life and we need to respect that fact. I didn't want my kids affected by religious doctrine. I want them to grow up strongly making and defending their own life choices and respecting others rights to do the same. I've taught them that they had one life only, and that they need to live that life to the full.

However...I made a mistake...because through witnessing Physical Mediumship I came to discover that life goes on, and that consciousness exists beyond the form of the physical body. This wasn't, for me, a wholly marvellous awareness to be faced with. But I can't shirk and shy away from that known fact. I therefore need to learn all that I can about 'this'.

And so, tonight, due to the guidance of my 'mentor' FC, I sat in the cabinet for the first time.

I hold no fear of the cabinet, I never have. But I do respect that space. I feel sure that the space practically is 'no different' to the rest of the Lodge area...and indeed no different to other spaces. However...through Intent, the cabinet area has become 'a melting pot' within which energies become concentrated and blended by Spirit chemists. At least...that's what I think happens...

So...with one of our most trusted and experienced sitters taking my place as circle leader for the evening, I sat within the cabinet...for the first time...in the pitch dark...for just over an hour.

I trusted my chosen circle leader. I have good reason for this. Firstly the way we met was strange and in some way felt strongly 'meant to be'. I described it to myself at the time as a potentially 'past life' memory-experience going on. Also I know that on one or two occasions my mentor-guide FC has been able to 'flow' between us. I feel a sort of 'inner trust' of of the circle leader and also of 'All that IS'...so I wasn't nervous of sitting within the cabinet.

I sat, and initially looked around me in the dark. It seemed that the small cabinet space had become larger...as if without boundaries. Maybe this was simply because it was bloomin' dark in there! After all, if you can't see the boundaries, then there may not be any! As usual these vague thoughts started me thinking of others...and within a few minutes (I guess) I was aware that some measure of time had passed and I had 'missed' the end of the first piece of music being played in the lodge and that the CD was part way through the second.

I 'looked at' my hands, which were placed in meditation-mode upon my lap. As I don't 'do' meditation I felt that that my hands weren't placed as I wanted them to be placed, and that I wanted them to rest on the chair arms instead. So I considered moving my hands...but simply couldn't be arsed to do it. I then noticed that my head had lolled sideways, and was almost resting on the left shoulder. Again, I felt that I'd prefer to hold my head upright...and again this desire was overtaken by the 'I can't be bothered to move it' feeling. I sat and listened to the music, but was aware that I missed bits of it. Time was passing quickly as I heard the change in the music tempo and knew that the CD was half-way through. I felt that I'd been sitting for about 15 minutes...whereas it had to be nearer thirty minutes. At around this time I 'felt-saw' a dim gold shaft of light to my right side...I felt that this might be linked to the circle leader and felt curious...but as I felt it the gold glow vanished. This same 'thing' happened twice more within my sitting...both times vanishing as I became aware of it.

My ears felt damp, as did my eyes and nose. With some effort of conscious will I lifted one hand and felt that the skin around my nose was dry. I returned my hand to it's resting place, feeling very slightly sick as I did so. My thoughts went to my tummy, as the sickness feeling had emanated from there. I mind-heard "Aggy...I am Aggeee...I am Ageeeeee..."  I ignored it. This was followed by "I am Isabelle. Here is Stephen" then "Mary Mary quite contrary..."    I felt FC close to me and 'said' to him that I was sitting for physical phenomena...this is my intent. I didn't want to give messages. The 'names' stopped.

Due to the fact that I had thought-heard names I wondered if I should have spoken them. I asked FC if I should have. FC responded immediately by saying that I had free choice and that my chosen Intention was respected by those within the spirit world. I asked about the gold glow thing and FC 'smiled calmly'...giving me no answer. I heard someone say that they could see a grey mist in the centre of the lodge...I opened my eyes to see for myself but felt so sick that I shut them again. The sick feeling wasn't sick as in 'vomit sick'...it was a gut-sick feeling...like when you have eaten too much are dead tired...so try to sleep on a heavy stomach. I heard the start of what I knew to be the final two pieces of music. FC 'flew in' fast and I heard myself asking for the red light to be put on very dimly. I wasn't certain I'd said this...and as I felt uncertain I heard myself ask for it to be turned up a bit more. I felt curious about the voice bit...as it sounded like me but I couldn't quite remember actually speaking the words...I felt that I was simply too zonked to know really...but was then aware that the sitting was over.

I think I said something else...about the light or something...I don't know...it was blurry. FC told me to listen to the circle leader's voice and to ignore all others. I knew I needed to follow this guidance and in doing so I began to gain focus. The cabinet opened and I felt usual feeling of trusted familiarity and simply relaxed into it. FC remained close...like a fuzzy warm blob slightly behind my left shoulder. I was pleased to feel 'supported'. I wasn't feeling any great desire to sit in the cabinet again though!

During the final few minutes, as the closing music was played, I attempted to sit up, stretch, move. These actions were mildly successful. I felt a bit weak and had a vague thought that perhaps my energy was still 'widely within' the cabinet...rather than settled back into myself.  By the closing prayer I felt fine...but when I left the seat and stood up, saying I was fine, I was wobbly.  I don't remember leaving the lodge, and now assume someone else locked up and did all that stuff that I usually do.

Indoors I still felt slightly woozy...and this feeling lasted until I settled into bed.

I felt that I had nothing to 'report'. I felt that the experience, of sitting within the cabinet, was ok...but nowt to write home about. However...this morning FC asked that I write this report with open honestly as by doing this I might inspire curiosity within someone else.

From the seeds of curiosity the lodge grew...
Chris Di Nucci

SECOND SITTING:

Following my first experience within the cabinet (described above), which took place during October, it became decided, through FC's guidance, that, after the Christmas break, I should sit in the cabinet for six consequetive weeks for the purpose of further experimentation. The Intent for this experiment would be set to request the development and demonstration of "Responsive Rapping". This Intent had been suggested by FC twelve months ago. We have seldom witnessed spiritual rapping within the lodge. Basically we invite Physical Phenomena to become demonstrated, and do not refine this request. The spirit teams here all seem to favour the development and demonstration of Transfiguration phenomena, with other forms of physical phenomena being set aside to give focus to this area of expertise.

Anyway...tonight I sat in the cabinet again, with Jon as the Circle leader and with Jerry and Lynne as witnesses. The energy within the lodge was, I understood from FC, to be used collectively. FC gave me the impression that each of those seated together within the lodge had established connections such as might support the Intent of the experiment. Lynne has a guide who may be effecting knocking within her own home. Jerry has a guide with a similar interest and Jon has two visiting spirits with similar proven skills. FC, I feel, may be responsible for some unexplained sounds heard within my home recently. And so the experiment begins.....

The seance was set in blackout conditions, with myself seated in the closed cabinet. I heard the first piece of music played and sat calmly listenning to it. I noted that, with my eyes open, shadows and small 'flickerings fo light' were visually apparent within the cabinet. I closed my eyes. I felt 'something' touch my skirt lightly. This has been familiary felt within the lodge many times now, and it didn't bother me or hold my attention. The same 'touch' moved to my left arm, where it was felt three times. The second piece of music was by now playing and my attention moved towards my right side, and to the whole length of my right side. I 'knew' some connection work was being carried out with the Circle leader. Again, this feeling is familiar to me and, although I don't understand it I accept that it is part of 'the circle'. I relaxed into it and frankly wasn't listenning to the music very much after this. I don't mean I didn't hear it...I mean that I didn't listen...nothing seemed important.

I felt FC beside me, to my left. Again, I am familiar with this feeling. I heard those in the room saying that the music, being loud, might drown out any sounds of spiritual rapping, should it happen. I 'sensed' FC assure me that the rapping would be heard, if effected, as it would occur as a result of energy-based manipulation within the walls. I continued to 'doze'. A song came on ...I can't for the life of me remember which it was now and I felt 'uncomfortable and wary'. I asked FC if all was well and he said that the piece of music was causing discomfort for one of the sitters, and this was slightly affecting the balance of harmony. Satisfied with this explanation, I felt too relaxed to worry about it further. Shortly after this I felt FC 'shift' and another unfamiliar feeling occured. This time I felt a compulsion to speak, that I resisted until I realised that I was sitting for the purpose of experimentation, so I should perhaps just get on with it! I must say that it's strange to be on the opposite side of the fence, and to experience some of the vulnerabilities that the regular medium's go through during their own development.
I tried to just 'talk' and as I decided to do this I heard a 'strange' voice...using words that weren't of my thinking. It sounded a bit like me, but flatter, and the words were all wrong. I heard them, but as they were spoken they vanished. It was a bit like talking in your sleep, I guess. I let it flow, it felt like it was 'flowing'. I can't remember what was said (again, I will play the recording). As it went on I decided that the voice did sound like my own and I felt myself disliking this. I felt that as Circle leader, and having great respect for what we are trying to achieve here, it is up to me to ensure that experiments are honestly carried out. I felt that if I speak with my own voice then it's 'not right'. As I became more confirmed in this belief I heard the voice falter and my own personality come to the fore. I remember saying 'I' and somehow insisting on this, and as I insisted the personality of 'me' came forward. This was interesting to me, as I then realised 'the difference'.  Son after the voice 'withdrew' I again felt FC beside me again. I felt mild concern then that FC had 'gone' and then 'returned'...so...I wondered who the heck had been working with the talking bit!

I heard Jon put the CD player on for the closing music and as he did so I became aware of how physically cold I was. I felt my head was resting on my shoulder, so I pulled it upright (it fell back again and had to be lifted several times before staying put). I noticed that my hands were laying open on my lap in typical 'meditation mode'...which is not typically how I sit (but has been happening within seance recently).

The bright light, and the size of the room, and the sheer force of energy within the room became apparent as the cabinet was opened. I felt a little emotional for a moment. FC told me to look towards Jon, and I felt reassured as I did so, and moved then to look at Jerry and Lynne...all was well. Again, I realised the vulnerability that some of the Medium's must experience. I had been sitting in a light trance state, I guess. But some of the others now sit in deep trance and are under greater degrees of spiritual control. I need to remember this when I return to 'my chair'.

It took me two hours to fully become 'myself' after this seance...and I slept like a log afterwards!

Audio file: http://www.box.net/shared/6st2l2vizb

FEEDBACK: Jon felt particular discomfort during one piece of music, and also felt the initial tug towards the cabinet in the early stages of the seance, as described.

THIRD SITTING:

Towards the end of the séance I heard FC telling me to look towards Jon, but my mind was so hazy that I wasn’t sure whether I was the right way up, and my sense of direction was puzzling. I eventually decided to move my hand, in order to feel something from which to gain awareness of my position, the chair maybe. I first felt my own fingers, before then feeling the chair arm. I was by then able to look towards Jon, but the left side of my body remained ‘out of it’ for awhile longer, which I felt was highly amusing! I gradually pulled myself ‘out of it'.

I don't know what to make of it all really...but it's certainly 'different'!

THE FOLLOWING MORNING:

I slept very well and awoke feeling refreshed. Upon waking I felt FC to be close...and communication began immediately. I most often receive, and exchange, communication with FC through thought. I recognise the thought as being 'not my own' because there is a personality difference, and the words used are arranged differently, there's also a feeling of 'strength' that isn't quite like 'me'...as well as a recogniation of 'something or someone' near to me, close to my left shoulder. I also hear with occasional sound, as if someone is speaking quietly on the 'phone...at such times I hear a male voice, although the 'depth and substance' of the sound isn't quite 'normal'. Incidentally, when this phenomena first began it was a year to eighteen months before I felt at ease with it. I am not controlled by it; I choose to follow the guidance offered by FC, and if I felt any that guidance might be harmful to myself or anyone else I would not follow it.

FC is not my personal guide, as such, but has become formed to assist with the Circle experiment, as a whole...as I understand it, his role is that of a foreman.

Anyway....

This morning FC came forward to explain a little about what happened last night, whilst I was sitting in the seance cabinet. I was, he says, fully conscious for the majority of the time, although for part of the time my consciousness was affected. This was a side affect of spirits work, rather than being their intention.

Basically, FC says, that at some later date whilst seated in my role as Circle leader, it may become necessary to 'halt' my actions, were I to act in any way, as a result of inexperience, that might be harmful (for instance, I accidentally turned a light on last week...which in the particular circumstances did no harm, but that might, in other circumstances be dangerous). Incidentally, it is known that my reactivity in general is inclined to be hyperactive...therefore should I feel 'contrained' by spirit whilst seated within seance conditions I would normally be expected to, at least, resist and, at worst, panic. My being seated within the cabinet offered spirit an opportunity to demonstrate their control of my physical body safely. I will, in future, now recognise their control, should it be necessary for them to step in, and, instead of panicking, I will trust that all is well.

This experience will ensure that the circle is kept safe, and that sitters will not be 'spooked' by any unnecessary panic that I might otherwise have displayed. The safety and continuation of the Circle is of paramount importance to FC and the rest of the spirit teams.

I asked FC why it was that my physical body only came back 'half-way' at the end of the seance...instead of me, sort of, waking up all over. FC said that it is intended that what I experience be shared with others (here and now). Therefore I needed to realise that I was, in fact, under the physical control of spirit. I might otherwise consider my experience to be imaginary or self-induced. Also, due to the management (by spirit) of the demonstration, my condition was witnessed by those seated outside of the cabinet. Sitters that I trust are able to confirm what they saw. It was a learning experience for many to share.

I asked FC whether they would be doing it again next time I sit in the cabinet but no response was offered to this question.

Interesting!

Another thought-provoking experience. Basically the séance set up was the same as last week, although Pat was also present this time. The CD too was changed.

I sat in the closed cabinet in blackout conditions, as before. I heard the first piece of music play, and the second was almost ended before I felt anything at all. I then noticed a ‘tug’ towards where Jon was sitting….this tug lasted well into the third piece of music. At the same time I felt that the energy may ‘manifest’ in some way that sitters might see…but no-one spoke to mention this, so I guessed no-one saw anything. Later, after the séance, Jon did say that he had noticed dark patches, like heavy energy, in front of the cabinet, during the third piece of music. Both of us too felt a possibility that one of the regular spirit visitors might be present in the room at around this time.

Throughout the séance I sat with my head rested towards my left shoulder. I listened to the music being played, but was aware that often I’d be listening to one track, only to realise that the CD was part way through another.

At one point I felt as if ‘lines’ or ‘webs’ were reaching out from the cabinet towards each of the sitters, but I dunno why I felt this. No-one mentioned anything.

Later in the séance, I’d guess three or four pieces before the end of the CD, I felt the familiar ‘tug’ towards Jon again. I also felt a ‘push’ on my right side, it felt almost as if someone was standing too close to me.

FOURTH SITTING:

To be honest I don’t know what to make of it really. To begin with, this evening I sat in the cabinet as I have done three or four times previously. On this occasion I sat quietly through the first piece of music, then felt a bit woozy through the second piece and I missed most of the third, just hearing the beginning of it. I felt that I heard most of the songs clearly, whilst a few were missed or partly heard, as if I was listening from a distance.

A couple of times during the sitting I felt 'drawn' towards Jon, to my right. Twice I suspected the presence of a familiar spirit child....once during the second or third song and again during a piece of music that is his 'signature tune'. In fact during that piece of music I questioned his presence, feeling that I was imagining it simply because it is 'his' music. I then felt a tickle on my leg, along with heightened ' energy fizz' around my head...it was almost as if he was playing with me...I laughed because it felt funny at the time.

At another point I felt that I was ‘seeing’ a group of people seated around a table chatting, they were discussing the set Intent of the séance, which we had defined (at FC’s suggestion) as ‘responsive rapping’. This group of (I assume) spirit people were chatting together and saying things like “Are they asking us to respond to them?” and “What are we intended to respond to?” and “If we knock, will they respond?”…it was as if they were unclear about it, as if there wasn’t sufficient clarity about who was supposed to be responding to who. It felt similar to when I had a puppy that I was training to fetch a ball…sometimes I wasn’t certain whether I was training him to fetch the ball, or whether he was training me to throw it for him! These spirit people seemed to be similarly puzzled about who was supposed to be doing what. I don’t know why they didn’t just go ahead and do some rapping to see what response they got.

Shortly after this I felt a compulsion to speak. I felt it was my own voice, but I hadn’t ‘decided’ my words...it was as if someone else was borrowing my communication system. I heard what was said, but forgot each word as soon as it was spoken. Very odd! As has previously been the case I felt curious about the process, and it wasn’t very long before this curiosity resulted in the communication breaking down.

One piece particularly interested me. During one period of communication I felt FC was very close and that he was manipulating part of the communication. I didn’t know what he said though. Afterwards, when playing the recording I was unable to tell any difference within the communication: http://www.box.net/shared/qh8h6nxp03 I should add perhaps, in an attempt to fully share my personal experience here, that when I am receiving communication from FC 'within my mind' or through the keyboard, whilst typing, it is often his habit to close communication with "We have work to do" or something similar to this.

At some other time during the séance I felt a heavy feeling, like a weight, that wasn’t a weight…sort of coming down on top of me, from above...as if I had a soft cushion was resting on top of my head.

Another time I felt fully conscious but my hands weren’t under my control...I tried to lift them from my lap but couldn’t. Maybe I just didn’t try hard enough.

As the closing music was being played I again felt fully conscious, but realised that my hands had lifted to a position that I had not controlled. I felt a little disconcerted by this and promptly sat on them!

I have to say that, in general, I hadn't expected to feel or experience anything much whilst seated within the cabinet. In fact I am aware of many unusual 'subtle' experiences...and a few less that are less subtle.
I am enjoying it...whilst at the same time not wishing to 'extend my stay' beyond the agreed and intended six week period. I miss witnessing the stuff that happens within seance when Jon is seated in the cabinet. He, at present, for the period of this experiment, is acting circle leader to support me. I think he's enjoying his change from cabinet duties and may therefore take more part in sharing the role of circle leader in future. Time will tell.

FIFTH SITTING:

Once again I am setting out to describe the unfamiliar sensations that I am experiencing whilst seated within the cabinet. This evening began, for am, an hour before the séance. I noticed that I had difficulty following the threads of conversation and was feeling sleepy. By the time we were due to move into the lodge I was decidedly dozey and ready to sit in the comfortable chair...which I did upon entering the lodge. As circle leader I am used to being ‘in charge’ at this time…so for me to feel differently is worthy of note.

The séance was set for blackout and I heard the opening prayer clearly, as well as most of the first piece of music. As the first piece came towards the end I saw a white light to my right side and at the same time became aware of a familiar presence, seeming to be that of a child. This presence remained throughout the second piece of music. I was somewhat dozey and my mind was drifting towards ‘space’…but I nevertheless felt a movement within the seat on my chair, a slight movement of my skirt and a breeze-touch to my right arm (I was wearing a long sleeved knitted jacket). I then lost awareness further and only faintly heard the soft music playing somewhere in the distant background.

Time passed. I remember briefly seeing the face of my father, and after thinking ‘hi dad’ feeling momentary disgust. I have a personal wish to support the development of physical mediumship. In my opinion this needs to be clearly presented and objective. I am not interested in seeing my father, as I know him well, and it could be said that, within séance, I might be thinking of him. I don’t consider it evidential to see him. I consider it evidential to clearly see someone I don’t know and can’t have been thinking of. The séance continued, time passing, with me feeling nothing. I know, with honesty, that I was zapped out.

I heard a change in the music...and along with the change ‘the child’ seemed to be around again. I felt FC to be beside me. I felt a group of spirit people, like last week, sitting around a table in discussion. I couldn’t hear them, but knew they were there, talking about us. I drifted again. I heard Jon ask for the red light to be switched on, I felt no compulsion to speak. I drifted.

I heard the spirit group arguing. One said that the red light was too close to the cabinet. Another argued that it was ok. They said that the gentleman would need guidance to move the lamp back. Another said that it was unimportant for this evening, but as it may be important on another occasion, as circle leader, he should be made aware that the red light was too close to the cabinet. Their discussion continued. I was unconcerned, feeling that if they really needed the light to be moved they would tell Jon anyway. They have been guiding me for four years, so to guide him would be a doddle. I drifted.

I heard FC saying that an entity was outside the cabinet. This seemed to be a slight problem as the séance was drawing to a close. I asked FC if all was well. As ‘entity’ is a word we don’t use, we refer to spirit people, ghosts, spooks, rather than entities, I felt a slight concern. I then felt a compulsion to speak, but also felt that it was me…not ‘them’...although I didn’t know what I was to say!

Recording of this communication: http://www.box.net/shared/59644z2vls

The communication as it happened, seemed to be a three way set-up. FC spoke to the room, I spoke also, and some of the sitters responded. I felt interestedly detached…being part of it, but also observing. I felt that, once his presence had been acknowledged, that the 'entity' would comply with seance etiquette and leave properly when the seance came to a close. As the communication ended I felt shaking occur throughout my body. I have witnessed this with other sitters in the cabinet and was not alarmed. I felt amused rather than concerned, although I had no control of the shaking. I felt FC trying to stop my shaking, as if he was trying to put a closed lid on a bubbling saucepan. I felt him telling me to visualise a line running in a straight line from the centre of my head to the ground. I tried but failed to manage this, I was too foggy. I felt him pushing my head to the left, where it rested on the wing of the chair headrest...I felt a ‘spirit cuddle’ from him and as my body relaxed and the shaking stopped. I noticed that his favourite piece of music was playing. I was fine and gradually my arms and legs came back into focus. I was awake by the time the closing music came on.

Afterthoughts:

I am learning a lot whilst sitting in the cabinet area. I know that Jon is learning also. Jon has been with the circle since it opened and I increasingly trust and rely on him as a sort of ‘second in command’. However, to date, he has seldom taken the role of circle leader. I have never sat in cabinet and although I support others to do so (with FC’s guidance) I have had no practical experience. I feel that by exchanging roles the experience is teaching us things that will benefit the developmental work within the circle as a whole. It is a fact that the demonstration of evidential phenomena within the lodge is increasing, and it is important to be equipped to properly support this. I feel that FC'n'Co are ensuring that we have the necessary experience to do whatever needs to be done to keep things moving forward.

I can't say that I am looking forward to my next sitting as I do miss witnessing the evidential phenomena Jon enables within the cabinet. However, I do now realise that what is happening at the moment is part of the bigger picture and it's all 'building blocks' upon which other pieces of the puzzle rest. I'm happy to continue to sit as agreed.

My thanks to everyone who played their part....Chris

SIXTH SITTING:

This evening’s cabinet sitting was cancelled due to my having a runny nose that was aggravated by relaxation. I therefore sat out, in the room, in support of Jon who ran the circle, whilst Jerry took to the cabinet. That full séance report can be found here: http://spirit-chamber.blogspot.com/

I am reporting now on my experience as a sitter. Generally I sit as circle leader, seldom sitting in the room without taking that responsibility.

This evening during the first two pieces of music I felt the same ‘woolly’ feeling that I have recently been experiencing within the cabinet. This may have been because the energy within the room now affects me in this way. I must say that, having been sitting as circle leader for four years, I have not habitually felt this ‘woolly’ feeling.

I felt draughts around my legs and also, at times, around my upper body. I seldom feels these soft breezes when sitting as circle leader…although I do feel ‘stronger’ movement to my skirt and touches to my arms sometimes, both when sitting as leader, and when sitting within the cabinet. I felt very cold and needed a blanket. I seldom feel cold (despite sititng with bare feet throughout the winter) in my role as circle leader, and within the cabinet. Why was this temperature change occuring? I don't know. Over all, this evening I certainly felt that my sensitivity had been increased.

During the blackout period at the start of the séance I saw dark shadows. This again is not something I’ve been aware of previously. I usually see clouds and lights, but have not been ‘tuned in’ to seeing dark shadows.

Part way through the evening I was aware that one of the communicators was ‘new’ and ‘powerful’. I would have instinctively ‘known’ this too, in my role as circle leader... but to sit as a sitter, without having the personal responsibility to ‘work with’ this new communicator, caused me to want to take control in the same way as I would normally do. I wasn’t happy to just observe…I felt a need to personally ‘check that all was well’. Of course it was! But I’m fussy! Or a control freak!

I feel that this evening’s sitting taught me something new again. I seldom sit as a sitter. I felt that, as a sitter, I was ‘called upon’ to notice the smaller things, lighter things, to notice subtle changes and so forth...and to experience vulnerability when new communicators come forward. It required me to trust in a different way, to trust another person to ‘manage’ the séance. The last bit was the hardest lesson!

FINALLY:

This evening's seance, with myself in the cabinet, has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Note that I am working with Physical mediumship...I am not psychic so didn't see this coming!

As it happens, the cancelled seance leaves me with one lone sitter being available, so we shall spend the evening sitting in the lodge enjoying the energy-filled environment in peace.

As my cold brought an end to last week's sitting, and events have conspired to end this one, we feel that perhaps it is as intended. So further sessions with myself in the cabinet will be put on hold for the time being. It's been an interesting experience, but not one I feel pulled towards developing further.

Chris Di Nucci