viernes, 2 de diciembre de 2022
domingo, 6 de noviembre de 2022
Spiritist Society of Florida (est. 1982)
5042 22 Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2022
40 TH ANNIVERSARY of the SS of FL (1982-2022)
THE SPIRITIST MOVEMENT
Written by Maria Anicia Pérez
The Spiritist Movement, like all human
movements, requires vocations and various
capacities, with inclination and especially
potential.
This does not mean that there is no place for all
those who sincerely want to be useful to
themselves and others. Any task that we have to
carry out in spreading SPIRITISM* no matter
how small and obscure it may seem, is always
necessary because it represents, in this way or
another, what we can give for the benefit of the
Common Cause.
When Jesus said, “… to each according to his
work,” he implied that there is no distinction
whatsoever regarding the nature or type of work,
because its value lies in the merit and not in the
form of work.
We should not, therefore, underestimate the work
of others, even if that work seems unnecessary to
us. Each performs his work within his field of
action; the student, at school; the pastor of souls at
the podium or on the platform of [moral] teaching
and so on.
In relations with the spirit world, we need to be
aware of the differences, as well as the capacity of
the tasks that each one performs.
There are those who propagate the doctrine; those
who do research; those who publish books and
magazines, or who write articles in newspapers;
as well as those who finance material work; and
those that promote [spiritual/fraternal]
associations.
Also, there are those who are mediums and those
who educate the spirits, and those who encourage
the work with moral solidarity.
However, outside these types of work, there are
many anonymous workers, who bring comfort to
the dying and imprisoned; those who give
beneficial advice, and those who extend a helping
hand to anyone in need.
All these forms of activity constitute a whole. And
the sowing of Spiritism is a set of activities, all of
them converging to a central point, a good one,
“TO EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS
WORKS.”
(Article dated 01/2010 in Spiritist bulletin Alborada
[Dawn], Spiritist Society “Matilde R. De Villar” in
Mexico)
* Sharing the universal knowledge from the teachings
of the spirits (seriously, sincerely and appropriately)
with others even in small ways, is a tremendous
charity that will assist whatever soul its teachings may
touch, especially when it is brought to their
remembrance upon their return in the spirit world. –
Y.L.
2 Spiritist Society of Florida, October Newsletter 2022
SPIRITISTS, YOU HAVE A TREASURE
Inspirationally received
by Yvonne Crespo Limoges
In the book translated by my father Edgar Crespo,
A Practical Guide for the Spiritist, renowned
Spiritist medium Miguel Vives states, “Spiritists,
you have a treasure in your hands!”
This is because we know through superior spirit
teachings the purpose of life and death, and why
there is suffering, etc. This is due to a lifetime of
dedicated hard work by Kardec, where he
compiled the spiritual and moral teachings in an
orderly fashion with ethical practical guidelines
(including the most serious practice of
mediumship) for humanity’s benefit.
Jesus taught through parables that the spiritual life
was more important than the material, that there is
an afterlife, that sincere prayer and strong faith
have power for goodness, and most importantly,
the only way to reach true happiness and the
Creator was through having and practicing
unconditional LOVE.
The spirit teachings contained in the Kardec
books expand on these Divine teachings
(especially why we suffer) with more specifics.
Regarding Spiritists, Vives further states: “My
brothers and sisters, you can do much if you have
the will power. Do not forget, that those who have
been counted within this apostleship called
Spiritism, are regarded differently by those Up
Above.
“Those of you that are in your youth (in that age
of merriment, of downfalls, and of the distractions
and the pleasures of the world) dedicate yourself
to the spreading and the practice of the laws so
sublimely exemplified by Spiritism. You will go
far in your progress if you persevere and are
steadfast.
“You provide hope for the older Spiritists and are
a resource of great value for the spirits that work
for the good of humanity. You will be the teachers
of the future, so continue with consistency in the
task already begun. Be strong and be practical in
the teachings of Spiritism. Be good disciples; be
obedient and respectful. If you are good disciples
during your first phase as Spiritists, then you will
be good teachers in the second...
“There is much need for persons to work, and a
need for those who are learned and virtuous…
“Yet you, the youth of today, will ask me how
will you know when that hour has arrived?
“When Providence does or wants the realization
of a task, nothing or no one can prevent it. When
one of you is called to be a teacher, circumstances
will come about in such a manner that you will
not be able to avoid it…”
Therefore, let us realize also that if we were born
into circumstances where Spiritism is/was all
around us, as in a family, families or friends, this
was not by mere chance. It was something that
was planned for prior to our incarnation, and we
chose to know these teachings in our lifetime and
for some of us to take the responsibility to work in
various ways within the field of Spiritism.
It was so we could try to conduct ourselves more
so in accordance with the Divine Laws and to help
ourselves better support our trials and tests
because we know their just cause.
There is more responsibility on us and our
conduct as Spiritists than for the average person
as we know the divine laws and their
consequences. We have no excuses for not
knowing them when we return to the spirit world
if we have broken them. However, if we do what
we can to fulfill our tasks (even if we stumble at
times), for we know that the Creator is all love
and mercy, and knows are capabilities.
3 Spiritist Society of Florida, October Newsletter 2022
SPIRTIST MEDIUMSHIP
If truly a medium, there is a good and divine
reason:
first, to help the medium morally and
spiritually in its current material life
secondly, to help others, if able
A Spiritist medium needs tools:
education through reading and study
instruction
observation and assistance by experienced
mediums
Mediums need an appropriate place to work:
a place where there is spiritual harmony
and the aim instructive/moral education
services offered freely without charge
Actions a medium should take to use and
function appropriately:
discipline and consistency of practice of
mediumship (ex. regular attendance at
meetings, etc.)
consistency in prayer to spirit guides
proper moral conduct as much as possible
learning to control one’s mind in regards
to spirits (there is a time and place for
everything, and to avoid ignorant spirits)
acknowledgment mediumship is a sacred
trust and a life mission
Failure to adhere to proper guidelines could
result in harm to the medium:
one could become influenced by inferior
ignorant spirits
mediumship faculty could be distorted or
withdrawn entirely
medium could become fascinated, or
worse, obsessed by ill-willed spirits
A medium’s “good intentions, and the
renunciation of selfishness and pride” are the best
conditions for more proper spirit transmissions.
(Compiled by Yvonne Limoges from Kardec’s, The
Mediums' Book, Ch. XX, item 11)
A RED CROSS HEALING SPIRIT
Spirit Communication by Julie L. Harper
I have seen wars come and go as I watch from
afar, safe from the havoc humans bring upon
themselves.
When on Earth, I took part in war as a healer, and
now I still work to bring healing through my
prayers and projections of comfort to those in
need.
I hold faith that this work will end through peace
on earth. But for now, I go where ever I'm needed
and do so with love...as suffering continues with a
need for much healing.
CHARITY
Inspirationally received
by Gina Dougherty
Without charity there is no salvation. Acts of
charity bring forth compassion and love for your
neighbors; for God loves all his children and an
uncharitable act against your neighbor is an act
against God.
Everyone can practice charity. No matter a
person’s faith or education. No matter a person’s
social class. Charity can and should be freely
given. Thus, making charity the ultimate virtue.
Practicing charity is the road to salvation, for not
only does it bring positive thoughts into this world
but most importantly it brings positive actions.
You can sit idly by, but so can those who practice
evil.
So, I ask of you do not sit idle, instead go forth
and spread your charity, inspire others with your
kind actions and soon all will join our brothers
and sisters on the path to salvation.
4 Spiritist Society of Florida, October Newsletter 2022
SPIRITS AND HALLOWEEN
Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges
Halloween is a time of dressing up in costumes,
pumpkin carving, decorations, eating plenty of
candy and having parties. However, its origin is
about remembering the spirits of the deceased; the
saints [their spirits] and spirits of relatives and
friends departed from the material world.
The On-line Etymology Dictionary, states the
word “hallow” means “holy” and “Hallow- E’en”
means the evening previous [or last day of
October] to the celebration of All Saints Day.”
All Saints Day was established by the Catholic
Church in the 9 th century on November 1 st as a
holy day. Many Catholics and those of other
Christian denominations all around the world
honor the saints canonized by the Church, usually
by attending Mass at church and through prayer.
November 2 nd is All Souls’ Day which started back
in 993 CE at a monastery and is a day to
remember the souls of relatives and friends. This
is usually done through prayer, lighting candles,
going to church, visiting cemeteries and giving
alms. Those who are Catholic especially pray for
those souls still in purgatory who are atoning
before being allowed to enter heaven. Spain’s
colonization around the world brought
Catholicism to many countries, and for example,
Mexico’s Day of the Dead corresponds to these
two days. Even in the Philippines, there are
similar practices for these days.
However, since the dawn of humanity it has
searched for answers regarding the cycle of life
and death, and many beliefs of an afterlife and
rituals pertaining to it predate all the above in
pretty much all cultures around the world.
One example is Samhain, a pagan Celtic ritual
celebrated from approximately October 31 st to
November 1 st which corresponded to the final
harvest before the winter months. It was during
this time many believed that spirits could
communicate more so with humans in the material
world. Also, fires were lit, offerings were left
outside the villages and some would dress in
costumes. Although they reached out to their
relatives, there was also some fear of mischievous
spirits or those of ill will.
As time evolved, a combination of the rituals and
customs mentioned above have combined into
some of the practices of modern Halloween today.
But, the majority of the scientific establishment
considers spirits as either superstition or non-
existent. And, more people continue retreating
from traditional organized religions with conflicts
mostly over church teachings. 1
Yet, many people in the US feel more spiritual
than religious, many believe in spirits, the afterlife
and that communication can be made at any time
between the inhabitants of the material world and
the spirit world, not just on Halloween.
CIVIC DUTY
We encourage voting as a civic duty to help shape
human laws for moral progress towards goodness,
compassion, love and the common good.
******************************************
Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director
E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com
Spiritist Society of Florida (est. 1982)
5042 22 Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com
1
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/modeling
-the-future-of-religion-in-america/
miércoles, 21 de septiembre de 2022
jueves, 15 de septiembre de 2022
THE SPIRITIST SOCIETY OF FLORIDA
AUGUST NEWSLETTER 2022
40 TH ANNIVERSARY of the SS of FL (1982-2022)
ACHIEVING PEACE
Written by María Luisa Escrich
How many times do we hear and pronounce the
word “Peace”? We have heard from the great
philosophers, writers, poets, etc., on how to find
peace.
Politicians also talk about peace, while they start
up factories to develop weapons for war. There is
talk of peace, while weapons are also speaking;
they say that they work to achieve peace, but…
really, what and how is it done?
In my opinion, peace is not reached or achieved if
we do not first develop it within ourselves, and we
will only achieve it if we get rid of pride, of
arrogance; pushing away base instincts that move
toward others; placing ourselves at their same
level, because no one is above another; respecting
those who do not think like us, without trying to
impose ideas by force, be they political or
religious; that our behavior towards others does
not give rise to resentment and hatred…
When we are able to see, even if only as friends,
those who are actually our brothers.
When we are able to achieve Love within us, that
grandiose machine that can generate the necessary
energy to magnify that Peace, will reign when our
planet reaches its total transformation... and a
transformation of the human being.
There are many scattered throughout the world
committed to achieving this transformation, and it
would be very beautiful to add or multiply the
number of those committed, contributing the best
we have: Faith, Hope and Charity. These three
virtues, together with Love, will undoubtedly be
the creators of a glorious future.
And we are capable of creating that future;
radiating our thoughts and feelings of Love to all
corners of the Earth, with the absolute certainty
that they will be seeds that will bear fruit, even
when we cannot see it from this side of life.
Let us love. Let us love without measure.
Love is the most powerful weapon to cleanse
souls.
Thus, each of them will be able to develop their
own inner peace, which will result in a general
Peace…
The noble love of Jesus encourages us to do great
things and moves us to always desire the most
perfect.
May this Peace be a flame that lights the hearts of
all humanity… and lasts until eternity.
(Excerpt of article dated 12/30/19 from Association of
Spiritual Studies Villena Group in Alicante, Spain, on
website: www.amorpazycarida.es)
2 Spiritist Society of Florida, August Newsletter 2022
LOOKING FOR A CULPRIT (A Spirit Message)
In times of despair, man wanders the world feeling
that he has lost, that he has failed. He feels an
emptiness that he does not accept, but that consumes
his joy, his desire, his strength and subtracts virtue
from his actions, sometimes he can even renounce his
faith, or it is insufficient, aggravating his loneliness
and pain.
But instead of taking the path of virtue and faith to
regain strength, or ask for support or follow the
beautiful path of the example of those who have
emerged from pain, man begins to seek someone
responsible for his sorrows and it is there when the
storm begins, because then our darkest feelings seek to
go out and find someone responsible.
In that search, we summon anger, hatred and
frustration, leaving aside commonsense, and then,
anyone who passes our way is responsible for our
pain.
We forget then, that the storm does not care of those
who get wet, the waves of a raging sea cannot avoid
those who cross their path, and because our will is a
creative and beautiful force, it also can be destructive
when it forgets virtue.
This is how that storm looks for a culprit, who
deserves punishment! And, we become the
executioner.
But how can the one who bumped into us in the street,
be responsible for our life, if he doesn't know us? How
can he who did not listen to us, be responsible for our
misfortune? And, the one who doesn't help us, can he
be responsible for what he didn't cause?
But the storm doesn't stop with strangers, and it also
goes against those who love us. Then more serious and
illogical things happen. How can the one who sleeps
next to us, the infant in its innocence, the one who
loves us, be responsible for our pain?
The storm does not measure who it affects. It is as if
our feelings…and negative emotions do not measure,
do not respect, do not value, do not understand, they
only attack.
At that moment, this search for the culprit becomes
endless, and plunges us into a labyrinth, and instead of
looking for a solution or peace, we plunge deeper into
our misfortune. The man in desperation distrusts, he
sees in his brother his enemy; a serious mistake!
Today is the time to understand! We will never find
the explanation we seek in despair, and anger does not
resolve, hate does not guide, anguish does not clarify.
“The other” is not responsible, it is us, and when it is
us, then we can heal, we can resolve, we can find the
way...
When we take the power to say, “We are not going to
walk in despair! We are not going to give more force
to the fire! We are not going to harm those who love
us! We are not going to attack those who have done
nothing to us!” Then we take over the power of things
and summon the love that never fails.
If we received harm, we can't go back in time, but we
can prevent ourselves from multiplying that damage,
giving continuity to that error, affecting another…
In the end, the difficulties that occur in our lives will
have the power that we give them, and it will be only
us who are the authors of our victory or our defeat.
Let us always remember that we do know who harmed
us, but God knows and His justice solves everything.
Let us not forget the past of the soul, which today we
do not remember, and great answers are kept dormant
about our past lives; where we erred, and today we
must honor our debts. [when we cannot find in this life
the source of our pain or sorrow - Y.L.]
Punishment does not release, love does. Despair only
lacerates the soul, while calm heals it. In life's
questions, let's not look for paths that solve or clarify
nothing. Let's not do harm.
Let's look for what gives us peace to regain strength
and resume the course...
(Rec’d by email from the Jesus of Nazareth Society a
Spiritist group in Caracas, Venezuela dated 08/26/22 and
translated from the Spanish and edited by Yvonne C.
Limoges)
3 Spiritist Society of Florida, August Newsletter 2022
SET GOALS IN YOUR LIFE
Spirit communication
received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges
Don’t be tossed around in LIFE as if a boat
on the water without a rudder to steer yourself.
Think about what you want to accomplish in this
lifetime. Set goals, take the necessary steps to try
and achieve them. Focus!
Brace yourself for obstacles and setbacks, but do
not become discouraged. Take one day at a time!
Get rid of negative thoughts and harmful habits.
Persistent hard work over time can make a big
difference in your life – to take you from point A
(where you are now) to point B (where you want
to go). Have faith in yourself and God that loves
you.
THE SCIENCE OF PRAYER
Prayer is an invocation by our thought to the
Creator or to spirits (whether they are in the
material or spiritual worlds).
Prayer can be to ask for forgiveness, to ask for
blessings, to give thanks, to ask for healing, to
plead for help, for mercy, for indulgence, for
assistance to correct a fault and for glorification.
Prayer is thought transmitted by the force of our
will and carried by the Universal Fluid to the
recipient. It is an action that has an actual and
determined effect.
The more pure and sincere sentiments, the
stronger the potency of the prayer. Good people’s
prayers have more effect than those who are not
so good.
Good spirits that want to compensate the efforts
of those who sincerely pray can second their
prayer by a force of their own will.
Through prayer we can receive the assistance
from the good spirits if it is in accordance with the
Supreme Will and universal laws.
Prayers can cause change and can work in unison
with universal laws such as those of cause and
effect.
Many times, prayers are answered in such a
manner that they may seem to us an effect of
chance or received out of the ordinary course of
things. Some of our prayers may be answered
(and some things may never have occurred, had
we not prayed).
Some prayers are not answered if it is not in our
own best interests for the progression of our
spirits or would cause a bad outcome in the future
unknown to us.
Sincere and heartfelt prayer can provide us with
the spiritual assistance we need to have patience,
courage, and resignation to support life’s trials
and tribulations. Prayer is nourishment for the
soul.
Prayer makes it easier for us to undergo our trials
tests and missions because the good spirits, to
reward our humble efforts in sincerely asking for
help, they bathe us with their beneficial spiritual
energies from the spirit world that can calm us
and make us feel more tranquil.
Prayer can also inspire (suggestions from spirits)
the good ideas we may need to resolve our
problems.
Prayer is very important and should be practiced
sincerely every day. It can be done at anytime and
anywhere. It can be short or long; the most
important thing is that it is done with humility and
is sincere and heartfelt.
(Information from Kardec’s, The Gospel
according to Spiritism, Ch. 27)
4 Spiritist Society of Florida, August Newsletter 2022
YOUTH SPEAKS…
YOU WILL SEE THEM AGAIN
Inspirationally received by S.P.
When a spirit reaches the end of its journey on
Earth, it’s not always easy for them to let go.
But there is joy when they reunite with friends
and loved ones who have already passed on.
Not all people realize it, but no matter what
happens, the bonds made from sincere love
can never be broken.
You’ll see them again when your time comes
because a love that is true is very powerful.
COLLEGE DORMITORY- Spirit Visitor?
By S.P.
A school friend and I have now started college
and are sharing our experiences, especially since
we attend different ones. She went away to a
college and is staying in a dormitory.
I was surprised to hear from my friend that she
and the girl she shares a dorm room with, had
possibly a spiritual encounter. She reported that
her roommate saw a shadowy figure knock over
books, but they both felt negative, angry feelings
during the incident.
I told her to pray.
The roommate later told a priest to bless the room.
Hopefully, if a spirit was involved it has been
taken to where it will find peace, and is away
from the girls.
BLINDED BY PRIDE
Inspirationally received
by Gina Dougherty
The truth is fought against. For it brings to light
the misfortunes of others.
Misfortunes that have always been
and yet have had a blind eye turned against it.
The realization that one has wronged so clearly
has but pride to face.
And what can be worse to pride than to admit we
have so plainly wronged our fellow man;
with words or with actions.
What then can we do, but forget our pride.
LABOR DAY – A PRAYER
Bless all those who work for their daily bread; so
many people labor in unfair and harsh conditions
in the world.
Help those who are in need, to find honorable
work each day. Keep them from desperation.
Provide hopeful inspiration and moral courage so
all may support the many trials that can cause
both body and spirit to suffer.
AMEN
******************************************
Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director
E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com
Spiritist Society of Florida (est. 1982)
5042 22 Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com
lunes, 15 de agosto de 2022
domingo, 14 de agosto de 2022
EXPLICACIÓN DE LAS FACULTADES EVOLUTIVAS
sábado, 13 de agosto de 2022
jueves, 11 de agosto de 2022
miércoles, 10 de agosto de 2022
lunes, 8 de agosto de 2022
domingo, 7 de agosto de 2022
miércoles, 3 de agosto de 2022
LE JOURNAL SPIRITE N° 128 juillet 2022
P E R S O N A J E
ALLAN KARDEC :
al encuentro de los espíritus
por
K A R I N E C H A T E I G N E R
Apartir de 1848, con los eventos de Hydesville, nace en
América el Moderno Espiritualismo. Una pléyade de
distinguidos hombres y mujeres ya ha hecho valer los
méritos de la Revolución que se operaba, abriendo las
conciencias a su eternidad, sugiriendo por los hechos la cuestión
de los orígenes y el destino del hombre.
Este viento revelador va a emprender entonces su revolución en
otros lugares e insuflar su mensaje de eternidad. Es así como
acompañada por médiums que cruzaron los mares, la experiencia
espírita se da a conocer en Inglaterra, en Alemania y luego en
Francia. Es en Francia y más precisamente en París hacia los años
1852-53, donde vamos a encontrar, tanto la llama como la luz, de
otro gran espíritu: Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail.
En esa época, la danza de las mesitas acompañaba los valses del
Segundo Imperio. Esas experiencias de moda se observaban en
lugares muy diferentes; las conversaciones, tanto en los elegantes
bulevares como en los más humildes arrabales, giraban
invariablemente alrededor de las mesas “parlantes”. Para la
gente, era un pasatiempo como cualquier otro y casi nadie trataba
de profundizar en el estudio de la causa de estas manifestaciones.
Comenzaron a aparecer libros hablando sobre estas asombrosas
mesas. En principio, los magnetizadores y otros observadores
suponían que estos bailes inesperados eran resultado de la acción
de un fluido magnético o eléctrico, u otro, de propiedades
desconocidas.
Antes de aquel mes de mayo de 1855, fecha en que asistió a su
primera sesión, Hippolyte Denizard Rivail conversaba con sus
amigos como el Sr. Fortier, el corso Carlotti o el editor Maurice
Lachâtre. Pronto la mesa giratoria estuvo en el centro de la
conversación. El profesor Rivail, que se interesaba por el estudio
del magnetismo animal, aprobaba la teoría de los fluidos según
Mesmer. No obstante, su amigo, el Sr. Fortier, magnetizador él
mismo, insistía dándole testimonio del lenguaje inteligente de la
mesa que respondía a las diversas preguntas planteadas.
Hippolyte Rivail, poseedor de una austera lógica le respondió a
su amigo: “Creeré cuando lo vea y cuando se me pruebe que una
mesa tiene un cerebro para pensar y nervios para sentir, hasta
entonces permítame no ver allí sino un cuento chino”. Como lo
señala Anna Blackwell, su futura biógrafa y que lo conoció
personalmente “ese espíritu activo y tenaz era precavido, hasta
prácticamente la frialdad, escéptico por naturaleza y por
educación”.
El Sr. Carlotti, amigo de Rivail desde hacía veinticinco años, fue el
primero en mencionar la intervención de los espíritus en estos
extraños fenómenos, lo cual, lejos de convencer a Hippolyte Rivail,
no hizo sino incrementar sus dudas: “Cuando uno se pone a
estudiar las ciencias, la credulidad supersticiosa de los ignorantes
hace reír y uno ya no puede creer en los fantasmas. Sin embargo,
yo estaba ante un hecho inexplicado y aparentemente contrario a
las leyes naturales y que mi razón rechazaba. Pero sabía que los
experimentos eran realizados por hombres serios y creíbles”.
Algún tiempo después, Hippolyte Rivail fue invitado a asistir a las
experiencias que se realizaban en casa de la Sra. Plainemaison, y
reconoció inmediatamente: “Allí, vi por primera vez las mesas que
giraban, saltaban y corrían. También fui testigo de algunas
pruebas muy imperfectas de escritura mediúmnica. Sin duda
alguna allí pasaba alguna cosa que debía tener una causa. Bajo
aquellas aparentes futilidades y la suerte de juego que se hacía
con esos fenómenos, entreví algo serio y como la revelación de
una nueva ley que me prometí profundizar”.
“Por estas reuniones, emprendí el estudio serio del espiritismo,
más por las observaciones que por las revelaciones. He aplicado a
esta nueva ciencia lo que siempre he aplicado, el método
empírico. Nunca he elaborado teorías preconcebidas. Yo
observaba cuidadosamente, comparaba y deducía. A partir de los
efectos, trataba de remontarme a las causas por deducción y por
el encadenamiento lógico de los hechos. Una de las primeras
constataciones de mis observaciones fue que los espíritus,
también llamados almas de los hombres, no tienen ni la plena
sabiduría, ni la ciencia integral. Su saber está limitado a su nivel de
desarrollo. Su opinión sólo tiene el valor de una opinión personal.
Eso ha evitado que crea en la infalibilidad de los espíritus y me ha
impedido formular teorías prematuras que no tendrían por base
más que sus palabras. El solo hecho de la comunicación con los
espíritus, sin considerar sus palabras, probaría la existencia de un
mundo invisible, pero real. He aquí un punto esencial que nos abre
enormes posibilidades de investigación. Un segundo punto no
menos importante es que esta comunicación hace posible el
conocimiento de los estados de ese mundo y sus costumbres”.
El año siguiente, 1856, las sesiones a las cuales asistió Hippolyte
Rivail tuvieron lugar en la casa del Sr. Roustan, luego en la del Sr.
y Sra. Baudin. En el seno de esta familia descubrió el ambiente
ideal para proceder a sus estudios. Caroline y Julie Baudin, de 18 y
15 años, recibían los mensajes por psicografía (escritura).
A pesar de las preguntas frívolas y materiales hechas a los
espíritus que animaban veladores y lápices, Hippolyte Rivail
observaba los nuevos fenómenos que sólo podían encerrar una
causa nueva. Por su sola presencia, las sesiones tomaron otro giro,
la ligereza de su contenido anterior se transformó en profundidad
filosófica, pues Hippolyte Rivail tomó la costumbre de asistir con
una serie de preguntas.
“Hasta entonces las sesiones en la casa del Sr. Baudin no habían
tenido ningún objetivo determinado; me propuse resolver los
problemas que me interesaban desde el punto de vista de la
filosofía, de la psicología y de la naturaleza del mundo invisible.
Llegaba a cada sesión con una serie de preguntas preparadas y
metódicamente arregladas, que siempre eran respondidas con
precisión, profundidad y de manera lógica. Al principio yo no
tenía en la mira sino mi propia instrucción; más tarde, cuando vi
que eso formaba un conjunto y tomaba las proporciones de una
doctrina, tuve la idea de publicarlo para instrucción de todo el
mundo. Son esas mismas preguntas las que, desarrolladas y
completadas sucesivamente, constituyeron la base de El Libro de
los Espíritus”.
Antes que nada el profesor Hippolyte Rivail comprendió la
seriedad de la exploración que iba a emprender, entreviendo en
esos fenómenos la clave del tan oscuro y controvertido problema
del pasado y el porvenir de la humanidad, la solución de lo que él
había buscado toda su vida. Pues como el verdadero cristiano de
antes del Concilio de Nicea, Hippolyte Rivail buscaba
incansablemente a Dios.
Vinieron luego los cuadernos de varios cientos de páginas que le
fueron confiados por sus amigos de la época que, desde hacía ya
algunos años, se dedicaban a la experimentación espírita. Eran
cuatro: el filósofo holandés Tiedeman-Marthèse, el autor
dramático Victorien Sardou, el historiador, escritor y
político René Taillandier y el editor Alfred Didier.
Después de algunos titubeos frente a esta nueva
perspectiva, Hippolyte Rivail puso manos a la obra.
Ordenó los mensajes por temas.
Aunque trabajó con alrededor de una decena de
médiums, la elaboración de El Libro de los Espíritus fue
concebida en gran parte con la participación de los
médiums Julie y Caroline Baudin, Céline Japhet y
Ermance Dufaux.
“En gran parte mi obra estaba terminada y tenía la
importancia de un libro. Pero yo quería hacerla
examinar por otros espíritus con la ayuda de diferen-
tes médiums. Más de diez médiums participaron en
este trabajo. De la comparación y coordinación de las
respuestas organizadas, clasificadas y a menudo reto-
cadas en el silencio de la meditación, he presentado
la primera edición de El Libro de los Espíritus”. De
este estudio y de las respuestas obtenidas para
coordinar el todo, surgió una fuente de verdades
espíritas de las que ningún editor quería hacerse
cargo. Allan Kardec, tal sería desde entonces su seu-
dónimo, se encargó de la edición de El Libro de los
Espíritus. Estamos en 1857. La primera aparición tuvo
lugar el 18 de abril de ese mismo año. Al momento de
publicar, el profesor Rivail se vio en aprietos para
saber cómo firmaría su obra. Siendo su nombre muy
conocido por el mundo científico, en razón de sus tra-
bajos anteriores, y pudiendo llevar a una confusión
que hasta perjudicara el éxito de su empresa, decidió
firmar con el nombre de Allan Kardec que le había
sido revelado por su guía, un nombre que llevaba en
tiempos de los druidas. Y este libro, rechazado en
todas partes, tuvo un éxito extraordinario.
Sobre el escritorio de Rivail, que finalmente
conservaría el seudónimo de Allan Kardec, hubo un
alud de cartas, provenientes de todos los medios,
sobre todo de los medios obreros: se leía a Kardec en
las urbanizaciones obreras y en las chozas. Se lo leía
también en los palacios. Anna Blackwell, la traductora
inglesa del afortunado autor, nos informa que
Napoleón III lo hizo ir muchas veces a las Tuileries para
conversar con él sobre estos asuntos que apasionaban
a la pareja imperial.
La obra filosófica que acababa de nacer plantea las
bases de la doctrina espírita y explica el pasado, el
presente y el futuro del ser humano. Una parte de
verdad acababa de escribirse en tinta indeleble.
“Cuando haya venido el consolador, el Espíritu de
Verdad, os conducirá en toda la verdad; pues no hablará
de sí mismo, pero dirá todo lo que haya oído, y os
anunciará las cosas por venir”. (Juan XVI-13)
martes, 2 de agosto de 2022
JULY NEWSLETTER 2022
40 TH ANNIVERSARY of the SS of FL (1982-2022)
NEW CLASSIC SPIRITIST BOOK AVAILABLE<
/b>
Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges
The above Spiritist classic are a series of writings by
AMALIA DOMINGO SOLER from Spain and
collectively known in the book Hechos Que Prueban
and now available in English. It already has a 5-star
rating on Amazon in a review by Michael E. Tymn,
notable author of several books and authority on
paranormal information and its history (mediumship,
evidence of the afterlife, spirit teachings and scientific
research on the paranormal phenomena).
As stated on the cover, it is a series of spirit
communications (majority of the chapters are separate
stories) that present real life dramas, usually tragic,
where we read the consequences (by the persons
involved) of their actions committed in past lives.
Hardship and tragedy seen through the prism of
reincarnation provides some answers to what was
unknown or seemingly unjust; like why do bad things
happen to seemingly good people? Each spirit chooses
what it needs to go through in each lifetime, compelled
by its own conscience, the law of progress, and driven
to strive to be a better person in each lifetime (with
inspiration and guidance from their spirit protectors) to
evolve, and reduce present and future sufferings.
AMALIA DOMINGO SOLER (1835-1909) was a
famous Spiritist editor, author, poet and social
reformer and wrote down these spirit messages
received via mediumship, relayed mostly by her spirit
guide, Father Germain. This spirit also separately
told his life story from a previous incarnation as a
humble Catholic priest. His stories of intrigue,
adventure and lessons of morality provide much
inspiration and hope. Translated by my father Edgar
Crespo in first English edition, it is entitled Memoirs
of Father Germain. See below:
In addition, Amalia’s good friend Miguel Vives (they
attended each other’s Spiritist centers), a humble
person and founder of Spiritist centers, a medium
2 Spiritist Society of Florida, July Newsletter 2022
renowned for his healings and known as the “Apostle
of Goodness,” wrote the Spiritist classic, A Practical
Book for the Spiritist. Only 61 pages, it is full of
concise moral wisdom (and no matter one’s religion)
regarding how we should act before the Creator,
ourselves, our family, humanity and how to deal with
the trials and challenges of life. It was also translated
in first English edition by my father Edgar Crespo.
(All 3 available -Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, etc.)
TWO IMPORTANT SPIRTISTS FROM SPAIN
After Kardec brought Spiritism to France, it spread
throughout Europe. In Spain, José María Fernández
Colavida (1819-1888) known as the “Spanish
Kardec” first translated into Spanish Kardec’s books.
He opened up first Spiritist bookstore and founded
several Spiritist Groups. When he ordered 300 books
from Kardec, they were intercepted, considered heresy
and burnt in an auto-da-fé (public burning) ordered by
the Catholic bishop on October 9, 1861. Now more
people wanted to read these “forbidden” books. In
addition, Colavida was named Honorary President of
First International Spiritist Congress held in
Barcelona, Spain in 1888. And, although it was not
appropriate for women to attend burials in Spain,
Amalia Domingo Soler went anyway to recite her
poem about him at his gravesite.
Another famous Spiritist was Viscount Antonio
Torres-Solanot (1840–1902) who was a writer,
journalist, founder and organizer of many Spiritist
groups. He was very supportive of Amalia and her
literary work spreading of the principles of Spiritism.
In addition, he was Co-President of the International
Spiritist Congress of 1888.
RESPECTFUL WORDS
By Julie L. Harper
Consider that you are not aware of what another
knows before speaking from the premise that your
understanding is different and is right. Such is a
position of arrogance.
There are many perspectives on a subject,
particularly complex ones.
Though one's views can hold a richness of truth,
so too can another's beyond their unspoken words.
If a conversation is to be respectful and amicable,
ask meaningful questions and listen to avoid
assuming words that could be perceived as
offensive by a careless lack of consideration.
It is always better to say nothing when words
could sound disrespectful.
Communicate with respect by word and by action.
MELANCHOLY
Inspirationally received
by Gina Dougherty
Our own bodies are a jail and our spirits want to
be free. We must suffer for the sins of our past.
That is the reason we are here in this material
world. But to lessen the suffering we must shake
the material bonds that hold us down for they may
make us happy in the short but soon that
happiness will leave us feeling empty once again.
Instead seek happiness by deeds and goodwill
towards your neighbors and this will bring
everlasting happiness to your soul, to who you
truly are, a happiness that will stay with you and
follow you. For remember your soul is spiritual
and needs to be filled with spiritual goodwill to
find the internal happiness we all seek.
3 Spiritist Society of Florida, July Newsletter 2022
SOUL EVOLUTION
Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges
The aim of reincarnation is the continuing
evolution and advancement of our spirit in
knowledge and love in order to purify itself by an
innumerable succession of material lives. The
spiritual laws of cause and effect, law of attraction
(like attracts like), law of reincarnation and law of
progress work together for our moral betterment.
Love is the highest law; treat, care and love others
as you would yourselves.
Reincarnation, in keeping with the Supreme
Justice of the Creator, explains the apparent
inequities of life. We suffer wherein we have
committed wrongdoing; our free will (our own
choices and actions) in this life determines our
future life, and our present life is the consequence
of the choices we made in our past lives (good or
bad).
For we cannot learn, experience and evolve
enough by living solely one material life. And, we
cannot fully progress to higher levels solely
learning in the spiritual world. In the latter
situation, it would be like a doctor who went to
medical school, but never practiced medicine on
an actual patient. A spirit cannot progress without
putting into practice what it has learned from
previous material lives, as well as what it has
learned in the spirit life (we generally stay for
long periods there) in between material lives.
Reincarnation explains why there are geniuses
and prodigies. It explains why the peoples of the
earth are at such different levels of intelligence
and morality; examples being those such as Jesus,
Gandhi, Buddha, Einstein, etc. compared to
people with evil tendencies like Hitler-types, as
well all others in between. We are all at different
levels of morality, intelligence and spiritual
maturity, but ALL are equal before the Creator.
We all started in ignorance, all go through the
same processes, and to sooner or later by our
freewill, effort and merit to arrive at same goal.
REINCARNATION provides HOPE - the doors
of redemption are never closed. We receive as
many chances as it takes to right a wrong, make
amends, make different life choices, have
different experiences, make a fresh start along our
life’s pathway. We alone determine how much we
suffer or how much joy we experience, and how
many lifetimes we must undergo to fulfill our
spiritual destiny. We choose prior to rebirth the
kinds of trials, tests and missions, and also the
good and wonderful advantages we may need to
help us (particular people and life circumstances).
We should always be grateful for what good we
have; someone is always worse off than us.
Also, forgetfulness of our past lives is a blessing
because we have done many terrible things down
through the ages that would shame, disturb and
distract us while living our present life. What
good would it do in this life to know our dearest
friend now, at one time, was a great enemy of
ours in ages long gone?
The challenges we endure can be from immediate,
direct and obvious actions, with all mitigating
circumstances and degrees of guiltiness taken into
consideration, we have committed in this lifetime,
or, from the effects of our choices and acts made
in past lifetimes; either way, the scales of the
Divine Justice (universal laws) are perfect.
This is what perplexes many because we see
seemingly innocent people suffering for no
apparent reason (ex. those with terrible diseases,
others born with deformities, those with
mental/emotional disorders, those born poor,
starving, innocents subject to abuse or violence,
and worse, etc.).
For in some cases, the spirit:
“…suffers through the evil which he has done, in order
that, his attention being concentrated on the
consequences of the evil, he may the better understand
4 Spiritist Society of Florida, July Newsletter 2022
its disastrous nature, and be led to cure himself of the
imperfection to which his evil-doing was due.” 1
Yet, not all sufferings are due to direct personal
injury of others, but a spirit’s request for
conditions for the correction of particular faults
and personality traits, such as:
“…by doing, in a subsequent incarnation, what he
ought to have done, but did not do, in a former
one…”or “…by discharging duties which he
neglected…” or “by fulfilling missions which he failed
to fulfil in that former life, or by practicing the virtues
which are the opposites of the vices in which he then
indulged; that is to say, by being humble if he has been
haughty; gentle, if he has been harsh; kindly, if he has
been unkind; hardworking, if he has been idle; helpful,
if he has been useless…” etc., etc. …“It is thus that a
spirit progresses by turning to profitable account the
experiences and lessons of his past existences.” 2
In addition, the travails of those spirits that ask for
challenging and difficult missions, small or great,
give up themselves as examples of goodness,
moral strength, resignation and faith for others.
They will be greatly compensated if they carry out
their missions successfully, which further helps in
the purification of their spirit as well as for others.
It is when you return to the spirit world that you
discover “the why” of your particular material life
circumstances. Sometimes, you have an intuition
while you are in the material world. At times, the
spirits may reveal it, if it serves a serious purpose,
like to motivate your resolve in dealing with your
mission.
When you are in the spirit world, you will
remember all who you have been and done, since
you never lose all the knowledge you have
acquired. Some of which is purposely blocked
from you now while in the material world so you
may focus and learn more about other areas of
knowledge, attain other qualities of sentiment and
gain from new experiences without past life
biases. Material life is about learning.
The spirits themselves have consistently
communicated to us, relaying their stories as to
what caused them to suffer in their material lives,
and have stated they chose the kinds of trials they
needed. They also express their gratefulness that
they were able to make amends for the
wrongfulness they committed in previous lives.
In conclusion, we know that if we develop, grow
and evolve more in goodness, love and wisdom,
and practice charity to others, we will make our
material lives much easier, better and happier
overall; and, gain good qualities and knowledge.
Material life may be somewhat compared to a
school wherein we learn lessons, and try to pass
the trials and tests of life at each level. We never
retrograde, but we can mark time in the same
“grade” and may repeat the same lessons over and
over, until we finally learn lessons needed to
move on. Some spirits put in more effort and
work faster than others, but everyone will reach
the final goal, no more suffering, pureness of
spirit and nearness to the Creator. We have
freewill and are very imperfect; all we can do is
put forth our best efforts, and know the good
spirits are always with us to help us progress. We
are never alone in our sufferings! And, a true and
sincere love never dies. The Creator’s Divine
Light of Love and Goodness always shines upon
us to sustain us, we need to try as much as we can
to be receptive to it!
******************************************
Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director
E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com
Spiritist Society of Florida (est. 1982)
5042 22 Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com
lunes, 18 de julio de 2022
miércoles, 13 de julio de 2022
EL AMOR A DIOS
En algún momento nos hemos preguntado: ¿si nuestra fe va más allá del sendero de la súplica o la esperanza de satisfacer nuestras necesidades?
¿Si en la raíz de nuestra fe existe un sentimiento especial alejado de la realidad de este mundo?
¿Si nuestro corazón es tan grande o capaz de albergar un amor tan noble y sublime?
Entonces si no lo hemos hecho, es momento de hacerlo, de revisar nuestra alma, nuestra conciencia para escudriñar que evoca el nombre de Dios en nuestro corazón.
Si al convocarlo lo entendemos como una parte del amor, o el amor mismo.
Cualquiera que sea la respuesta a esta pregunta, debemos reflexionar primero sobre lo que es el amor.
A alguien se le ama no por que resuelva tus problemas o cambie tu vida, sino porque nuestro corazón atesora su existencia y presencia en nuestra vida. Incluso el verdadero amor, se mantiene después de la muerte, aun para aquellos que no creen en el mañana.
El amor es una llama que se enciende y nunca se apaga, el amor vence al tiempo y sustenta la eternidad, pues él es el motivo de que exista. El amor no se divide se vuelve parte de nosotros y se multiplica.
Las leyes espirituales que definen la vida de espíritu se sustentan en una sola, el amor como causa, guía y destino, pues solo él mueve el progreso y a la creación.
Ese amor que nace en nuestra alma, siempre encuentra a Dios, pues lo intuye, lo reconoce, como la gota encuentra el agua, a el pájaro la manada. Pero a veces no lo alcanza cuando abandonamos el vuelo de la virtud o cuando renunciamos a sentir como espíritus y probamos con el corazón humano ¡ingenuo intento!, es como el niño que juega a atrapar el aire con sus manos.
De allí, que en un lugar hermoso de nuestra alma existe un amor que no demanda, pide o exige, sino que solo reconoce y da, a ese inmenso motivo que no exige adoración, ofrendas ni dadivas, que solo recibe tu amor.
Cuando Dios creó el infinito no lo hizo para él, sino para todos los seres que habitarían sus confines, y pensando en ellos creo maravillas, innumerables hermanos para compartir la vida y otorgo la eternidad como la promesa fiel y segura del logro de la felicidad y del amor, otorgando un libre albedrío para darle a cada hombre la capacidad de forjar su historia y llegar a sus hermanos por sus propios caminos.
Para amar a Dios, no es solo creer, sino reconocer su presencia en nosotros mismos, y cerrar los ojos al mundo, ya que Dios es muchos más que este simple planeta, es mucho más que nuestra humilde alma y aspiración de progreso.
Por ello, para amarlo hay que amar primero al mundo, pues no puedo amar una obra sin reconocer a su autor, cómo sigo una huella sin valorar a quien la hizo.
En definitiva, somos lo que amamos, lo que soñamos y por lo que luchamos, y si hacemos coincidir todo eso con Dios, entonces sentiremos su verdadero amor, pero no solo de nosotros hacia él, sino su presencia en nosotros, reirá en nuestros labios, llorará en nuestros ojos, se servirá de nuestras manos y nunca será ajenos a nosotros, pues somos uno, todos somos uno.
Amar a Dios es renacer cada día para buscar un nuevo sentido de amar, es perdonar, ayudar, sacrificar, luchar, es sacar de nuestro interior la fuerza y el coraje para hacer posible la obra divina, pues amar es entender y concurrir al milagro de la creación.
Miles de poetas han escrito sobre el amor, pero solo Jesús y los cristianos entendieron y enseñaron el verdadero significado del amor.
Por ello preguntante, ¿se parece tu amor al de los cristianos, al de los mansos o caritativos?, ¿o es solo un amor que se refiere a ti mismo?, que más que amor, es tu manera de ser y concebir las cosas resultando insuficiente para albergar la presencia de Dios.
Nunca olvides que cuando amamos a Dios no somos nosotros mismos, sino su reflejo, su sueño, su legado, su dicha, y solo entonces al elevarnos el amor se eleva, se muestra y alcanzamos el nivel para acercarnos a nuestro señor o mejor dicho para que el brote de nosotros pues somos uno solo.
Si amaramos a Dios, no se sí el mundo sería perfecto, pero a diario viéramos más disculpas, más sacrificios, menos llanto, y más lucha, y ese reino divino, el mundo invisible se volvería palpable en el amor… veríamos menos guerras, menos suicidios, pues la fuerza sumaria la de todos y serian menos los errores, pues la lucha juntos nunca se pierde y la victoria juntos es inevitable, como ineludible es el amor en el corazón del espíritu, pero debemos construirlo ese es el camino del progreso.
Sociedad Espirita Jesús de Nazaret, 09 julio de 2022. Caracas-Venezuela
domingo, 3 de julio de 2022
viernes, 29 de abril de 2022
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