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/