Spiritualism is a fairly new form of religion based on belief that the human spirit survives physical death and can communicate through a medium. Spiritualism started in America in mid 19th century and spread to Europe. Though interest in spiritualism slowly died out in America, it continued to thrive in Britain.

Frankie Whelan is one of the well-known spiritual ministers in England. He has a deep compassion for people and believes "People need People." He feels that all religions have their individual strengths. Frankie is a full healer and a very fine medium. We are glad to bring you his exclusive interview for Nilacharal:

Q: How is Spiritualism different from other religions?

Ans: Spiritualism is different from other religions as it provides evidence that life continues after the release of the physical body. The individual is able to receive accurate evidence supporting the fact that his/her loved one has made the journey from home to Heaven. Other religions do not do this.

Spiritualism is also different as it does not contain Dogma, but only seven principles to follow as a way of life. Spiritualism is different in that it encourages the individuals to go within and find answers and solutions themselves. It is about activating the person to take responsibility for their own lives and thoughts rather than encouraging dependence in a way perhaps that others religions may do.

Q: Can anyone become a medium?

Ans: I think anyone can sit and develop for mediumship but some will have greater potential to do the work. In a similar way, that though many people may get trained to become doctors, only few become skilled surgeons and are able to undertake work with precision. The law of Karma also comes to play as some people will return to the earth plane with a "stamp" on the soul - MEANING THEY HAVE COME BACK SOLELY TO DO THIS WORK.

Q: Does being a medium affect or influence your life?

Ans:  As a medium, one works with a very fine energy on a very sensitive level. When the mediumship is over the individual will need to continue his/her everyday work and experience the earthly life like everyone else. The medium can experience greater sensitivity than others and at times this can be painful. Like, working in crowded noisy offices, working continually with computers, any  number of things can affect a medium in ways that it would not another. Mediums tend to need longer periods of quiet and rest enabling them to recharge their energies. Also as the work is so very meaningful the individual may have difficulty in doing other jobs that does not help/touch people in such a deep way.

Q: Why should people get in touch with spirits - Is there any benefit?

Ans: The spirit people get in touch with us as spirits cannot be forced to communicate with people. The benefits are many if the person  getting in touch with the spirit is open. The communicating spirit can offer advice and guidance which helps the people in a practical way. Of course the main benefit is to the bereaved, to know that their loved one lives on and is safe. People feel so devastated after someone close dies, so to know that they have reached the other side and can express this is truly priceless.

Q: What kind of power do spirit people have?

Ans: Spirit people are not perfect. They simply have traveled a little further than we have and have more experience of life and death. Yes, they can influence our lives but are never allowed to take away our free will. They can advise us as they have experienced through trial and error and can see the different angles of a problem. However, they too continue to grow and develop their own spirits.

Q: Why can't Spirit people warn of natural disasters like Tsunami?

Ans: Because man must take responsibility for his own actions while on earth. Man must learn to treat the earth plane with the respect it deserves. Growth, and only growth is the nature of life. The whole notion of responsibility for the earth has been highlighted by this disaster. I would say that the Spirit world has been trying to warn us for a long time. The Native American Indians have told us time and time again about how we should treat the earth plane but have we listened.? No.! At some point, disaster comes and man blames God, and the spirit world when it is he who should have listened to the warnings  long time ago.

Q: Can Spirits change destiny?

Ans: They can influence decision making - that is, they  can give you options but eventually the individual makes his own choices in life. It all depends on how open, receptive and progressed the individual is.

Q: Are there evil Spirits?

Ans:  In the same way as there are people here on earth who are of a low consciousness level. I prefer to use the _expression ‘low consciousness level’ as that really is what makes them act in inhumane ways. They may be intelligent yet have low consciousness. There is a progression available to every soul, and as long as they are truly sorry for their actions and understand how their actions have affected others, they can progress.

Q: How can someone find their Spiritual Master or Spirit Guides?

Ans:  I think sometimes we are too caught up in these expressions. The world of Spirit wants us to keep it simple. Be like a child. Trust in the power of God to help you and influence your thoughts. Have positive intentions to love, heal and repair. Keep your feet firmly on the ground, but put your mind and heart up to God. In this way you will draw to yourself advanced souls, who will work with you because of the vibration you emanate. Remember always the _expression "Like attracts like".