Spiritual Ether & A Seance Invocation

Below are the opening and closing prayers we used for our mediumship development circle.  

Regarding the idea and use of "spiritual ether", we are taking our cue directly from the wonderful book, The Mediumship of Arnold Clare, by Harry Edwards, (1942) which goes into great detail about such things as ether, ectoplasm, the astral, etc. as presented by Spirit Participators at various sittings. Here is what the Spirit, "Peter" says about ether and which inspired the Invocation below, as transmitted to August during one of the circle's past sittings. (pdf of the book accessed here) - there are some extraordinary photos of ectoplasm levitation of furniture and trumpets at the end of the book.

Other writings you may find of interest are available at The Risen Books website.

“When you breathe in always through the nostrils, you are not only inhaling the air but also the ether stream - the free ether. Now that ether is characterless, it has no character of itself; but as it passes through the sieve, as it were - the 'sieve' I said - it receives its character impressed upon it by the mentality of the breather. This is important. As the nostrils are the filters for the atmosphere necessary for the wellbeing of the body, so are they the filters for the ether rejecting all things that are inimical to the individual, whilst passing on those things that are good. But it works both ways, for it rejects also those things which cannot be appreciated by the individual - that is, things spiritual.
 “Therefore in this practice with inhalation and exhalation the mind should be gently focused upon the ‘all-greatness’ of the spirit. It has the effect of creating those conditions which, individually, we have to create ourselves. “The way of achievement by this method, intelligently applied, ensures permanency and good health, which, you will notice, many mediums lack.” Peter was asked to give further information as to what is received and what is rejected as the ether stream is inhaled. Peter:
 “The best way to answer is this. The ether stream which is taken into the system through breathing is characterless in itself. When it has been breathed in through the normal act of inhalation, it is impressed by the thought and character of the individual. That is understood. Therefore by rendering that etheric content more potent, more vital, through control of thought in breathing, you can transform that stream of ether into a veritable dynamic force. We have already spoken of the etheric body and the soul body - they both depend upon the ether inhaled with ordinary breathing for their vitality and sustenance. The more it is impressed with noble thoughts consciously directed, the more will the sub-conscious mind be brought into line with things spiritual. Therefore instead of having a part of your ‘household’, as it were, against you, you make of the soul a strong ally - the three of you (physical, spiritual and soul bodies) working all together, as a whole. For it must be remembered that the soul is the repository of all the experiences to do with the natural world and that world only. Therefore its desires are primitive; it is selfish. It is controlled by two strict laws, that of attraction and that of repulsion - which is oft-times the progenitor of hatred. That is one part.
 “By breathing rhythmically, the physical body profits from the air you breathe because it is taken in steadily; and therefore the heart motion is more regular with the steady supply of oxygen. The ether which is inhaled with it does not go into the lungs. It is retained by a sieve. The sieve is contained at the root of the nose, and it is from there it is dispersed. There it receives the impression of the thought intention - so far as psychic work is concerned. That is most important. Not only is it important in the way of physical health, but it also gives a greater etheric vitality. I think this answers the other part of the question.
 “When you breathe, it is to breathe with intention and to say, ‘with each breath I breathe the spirit of life’, ‘Each breath makes me free’, ‘Each breath makes me stronger spiritually and physically’. It is not altogether what you would term auto-suggestion, although it is true there is an element of that; but the idea is to impress the breath with your character, your idea of the moment. You can use it for weal or woe.” 

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SÉANCE OPENING INVOCATION

We gather here now to join together for the purpose of development, to learn and communicate together in happy harmony and peace, and to help build spiritual portals between worlds.

We ask our Guides & Guardians in Spirit to watch over this place, protect this space with the highest of energies around us.

We invite and welcome all those who are interested in our highest good and that of the Universe, including Spirits of Nature and of Animal Beings. We ask that you make your presence and identity known in any way possible.

We breathe in the spirit ether of the innermost energies of the fiery core of this planet, Earth.

We breathe in the spirit ether of the geological pressures of the mineral kingdoms beneath the surface of the Earth

We breathe in the spirit ether of the ebb and flow of the crash and thunder of the ocean’s waves.

We breathe in the spirit ether of the ever enfolding light of the sun, the moon and the stars of the celestial.

We breathe in the spirit ether of the living energies of all plant life, germinating in the seed, sprouting from the soil, blossoming with leaves, flowers and fruit into the light of the sun, moon and stars.

We breathe in the spirit ether of the ever moving caress of the smallest breezes, the gathering thunder and lightning of the greatest of storms, and the billowing locomotion of the greatest winds of the North, South, East and West.

We breathe in the spirit ether of all vigorous and vibrant animal life in which we are immersed.

We  breathe in the spirit ether of all the seen and unseen energies that our loving friends in Spirit bring to us, now and in this coming hour.

We leave all our concerns and worries outside this room for now, knowing we sit in the warm and safe embrace of Spirit Love, as we ask you to help us raise our vibration in order to link with yours.

We thank you, friends in Spirit for your love, guidance and support, amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

We close this circle and all portals now with joy, love and gratitude to our friends in Spirit, and ask that you continue to watch over and guide us as we leave to go about our worldly lives.

We thank you, friends in Spirit for your love, guidance and support, amen.