NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2023 THE CREATOR OF SPIRITS Written by Amalia Domingo Soler The Creator of spirits is great and merciful… and its patience does not end like as a man on Earth. The Creator of the worlds…has given humankind eternity as its heritage, and the rebellion of some existences is less than a drop of dew lost in space! Spiritists firmly believe that we never die. We believe one who recognizes the existence of a Creator, who understands the eternal life of the spirit, who admits progress as a universal law, who believes that charity is the religion of the Omnipotent Being, cannot fall into skepticism. The history of all religions is the work of men, but the love of God, the adoration, the soul that has always prostrated itself before something infinite, that has sensed contemplating the wonders of creation with supreme inspiration, that heartbeat of the Universe which has made the minds of all humanities vibrate eternally, are the divine principles contained in the consciousness of humankind… Spiritism only has one flag whose first motto…is: “Towards God, through Charity and Science.” We believe that God has imposed an unalterable law on Creation…Good must be worshiped; love and goodness practiced. And, to worship the Creator, there is no need for temples or priests, the best altar being the heart of the virtuous person, and the best worship an impeccable morality. The Creator does not require that man profess a certain religion, but that he be humble, and above all, that he loves his neighbor as himself... Spiritists believe each spirit is rewarded or corrected according to its works, and sufferings are never eternal… We believe that in space there are infinite worlds inhabited by thinking beings, subject like us to the law of universal and infinite progress that leads to the Creator. That the spirit, before achieving eternal goodness, can rise or stop in the hierarchy, according to its will, but it cannot go back or retrograde… We believed yesterday, we believe today and this we will continue to believe, as long as science and reason do not pronounce another religious creed more harmonious with the greatness of the Creator. Until that day arrives…we will see in the Creator as First Cause, in science the eternal manifestations…and in human reason the synthesis of universal progress. Spiritists who love progress have the right and obligation to engage in all the advances that tend to magnify humans, elevating their thoughts above the miseries and pettiness of the Earth… It is infinite renewal! It is the shadow united to the light! Time… is what the Creator gives to us! * * Time… to continually progress! – Y.L. (Excerpts from 08/25/23 article printed on the Spiritual Studies Association Villena Group website: www.amorpazycaridad.es; translated and edited by Yvonne. C. Limoges) 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2023 AUTHORITY AND FREEDOM Written By Léon Denis In the perpetual conflict in which the things in this world find themselves, one of these two principles (authority and freedom) almost never triumphs unless it is to the detriment of the other. When peace and social harmony are not achieved by understanding, by the perfect agreement of these two forces, united in equal measure, in almost all cases one of them predominates to the detriment of either order or individual activity. Excessive liberty leads to license and anarchy, and anarchy, in turn, leads to despotism. Humanity struggles in a kind of circle, due to lack of wisdom and moral balance. ...where political passion and ambition, the desire to expand and dominate the world, have monopolized the vital forces to the detriment of internal peace and authentic progress… where, then, we will have to go to look for an example, a model, a defined guideline, to establish the stability and balance of human institutions? Only the study of invisible life [the spirit world] can reveal to us a world in which authority and freedom combine and complement each other in perfect harmony. The revelations of the spirits clearly show us the existence in the Hereafter, of a hierarchy of powers and intelligence that escalate up to the Creator. But such revelations also teach us that in the spiritual life every being enjoys a sum of freedom that is appropriate to its degree of advancement. The supremacy of souls is always proportional to its merits, and it is not possible to make a mistake in this regard, since their radiation is more brilliant and luminous, and their will is imposed by means of a magnetic action, that increases with its power of radiation. There we are far from the conditions of earthly society, where it is so easy for scoundrels, vicious people and liars to hide their true nature behind carefully studied appearances, seductive manners and ease of speech. As long as social institutions are NOT brought into line with Divine laws, disturbances, disorders and confusions will continue to persist on Earth. Everything in universal life is governed with a view to evolution. Each of our terrestrial incarnations, each of our planetary existences constitutes a stage in our eternal journey. Coming from the infinite, we come to the material worlds in order to continue our education, and then we return to the life of the infinite. That is why we are exposed to restarting the task on Earth as many times as necessary for us to make the necessary progress… Since the situations in which souls find themselves are extremely varied, the social conditions must be as well… and the hard demands that come with them, force the spirit to exert itself, to develop its "I," its personality, its conscience and increase its latent energies. Pains of the body and soul, obligation to work, the tyranny of matter, of illness and death, such are the means with which the spirit comes to understand firm discipline and to put into practice the law of duty. Earthly life is the crucible in which the soul is transformed, preparing itself for great future tasks. Considered in isolation, our current existence seems dark and meaningless to most…But if we examine it as a whole, related to the one that proceeded it, and the one that followed, it is shown to us as the magnificent terrain in which the being builds its destiny, builds its growing personality and becomes completely free, by defeating evil and triumphing over immoral instincts. Before the visions of horror that war displays before our eyes, before the millions of tombs whose disturbed earth is still wet and uneven… in which just yesterday resounded with [material] life… it is beneficial to be able to affirm that BEINGS ARE IMMORTAL in essence, and to remember that everything - vicissitudes and trials, joys and pains - collaborates in our progress, in our elevation... Above those scenes of sadness and mourning, invisible life continues in its serene majesty. The living and the dead, we are all carried by the great evolutionary force towards a better future, within the unlimited universe and Divine harmony... (Excerpts from his book originally in French, The Invisible World and the War, Ch. 2, Section II, and translated by Yvonne C. Limoges from the Spanish edition) 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2023 LOVE Spirit communication received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges Love is the greatest of the Divine laws! It is what all the greatest spiritual teachers who came to the earth have taught people down through all the ages. What would seem like miracles could be accomplished if every day, each had thoughts of love in their hearts and treated everyone with respect, compassion, patience and charity. When you wake up in the morning elevate your thoughts and uplift your feelings towards the Divine, and let love permeate within you. Then put love into action with whoever or whenever you can. The universal practice of charity and love is what will save humanity. SPIRITISM Written by José Aniorte Alcararaz Spiritism is the simple and natural demonstration that we are spirits that live eternally and that we eternally progress, being the only builders of our destiny. For the person that desires to know, knowledge is never hidden, and it is better to cry knowing, than to laugh in ignorance… …the spirits show us that those who want to study and work, find the light they are looking for…the spirit is the eternal heir of its works and the future is the product of its present. I am fully convinced that the greatest charity that a Spiritist can do is to disseminate the truths that this philosophical and scientific doctrine contains, because it is the social redemption of people and helps us understand the true greatness of God… (Excerpt from the Introduction of the book, The Light that Guides Us, which contains many writings by Amalia Domingo Soler) THOUGHTS REGARDING MEDIUMSHIP “…There are those who are sometimes surprised that mediumship is given to persons of little worth and capable of its misuse. They say that it seems that such a precious faculty should be given exclusively to those who are most deserving of it. “Before anything else, we must say that mediumship stems from a certain organic disposition and therefore anyone may be gifted with this ability, in the same way that we are gifted to see, hear and speak. Moreover, there is nothing that Man cannot abuse by means of his free-will… “Mediumship is conferred without distinction so that spirits can bring enlightenment to all walks of life, to all classes of people, to rich and poor alike, to those who are honest so they may be fortified in their goodness, and also to the corrupt so they may be corrected... “The good spirits come to their help and the personal advice which is received is of a nature which will impress them in a manner more striking than if it had been received indirectly. “God…wishing to spare them the work of having to go out and get help from afar, puts the light straight into their hands…Can they excuse themselves by claiming ignorance, when their own condemnation has been written, seen, heard and spoken by themselves? “…Mediumship does not necessarily imply habitual relations with superior spirits. It is merely an aptitude to serve as an instrument, which may be more or less useful to spirits in general. “So, then a good medium is not one who communicates with ease, but one who is agreeable to the good spirits and who is helped only by them. It is solely in this sense that the excellence of moral qualities becomes the all-powerful influence in mediumship.” (Excerpts from Kardec’s - The Gospel according to Spiritism, Ch.24, item 12. Comment: mediums and those who listen/read spirit messages should use their reason and commonsense regarding what spirits say, just as we would in judging people in the material world. – Y.L.) 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, November Newsletter 2023 PEACE ON EARTH By Julie L. Harper Many circumstances in life are changing, including the coming of a new year. New Year's resolutions often bring goals of personal improvement. But no human being exists upon Earth alone. A most significant resolution co-joins self- improvement with the extension of love in order to serve as an instrument of peace. The Creator imbued energetic love within each and every human soul, making it accessible and expression-able. People who connect to this part of themselves find peace simply from being aligned to their true nature. Those who are connected with such a wellness of being are able to extend and influence greater wellness among others. During this holiday season and in moving forward, remember that our greatest prophet, Jesus, said to 'love one and another.' He also said 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Such are simple words but they convey core spiritual principles that are key to Earthly happiness. An act of loving energy can move an intent, or a prayer from the intangible can become a tangible manifestation. Isn't it time that all people act upon the words of Jesus in order to give peace a chance? THE HOLIDAYS Spirit communication Received by Yvonne C. Limoges The holidays are upon you, and for many this brings back memories of bygone celebrations, special meals and traditions, and get-togethers with families and friends. It should be a time of harmony, reminiscing of good times, and fondly remembering those who have passed on (yet many attend in spirit). It is not the time for rehashing personal disputes, petty grievances, or having discussions on controversial topics. It is of spiritual significance to bring family/friends together, for remember you all have prearranged spiritual ties. It is in close contact with each other how your spirits learn, from lifetime to lifetime, how to interact more in harmony and goodness, and especially during these particular times which stir up more feelings within the soul of gratitude, charity and love. Nevertheless, anytime people (no matter the number) come together with sincere feelings of camaraderie it provides valuable opportunities to foster loving sentiments that are of moral and spiritual benefit. Family and friends must learn to practice charity and love, so these can spread throughout all of humanity. *********** This is our last newsletter of the year. We affectionately send warmest wishes to all, and pray for peace and harmony for our planet! *************************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2023 SPIRIT INFLUENCES AND PEACE Inspirationally received by Julie L. Harper The spirit world is vast and energetic. Some spirits align with a human condition or a human sentiment of shared attraction. They may then attempt to influence individuals, groups, or organizations toward a desired outcome. Influential vitality toward a wanted outcome can be extended by good and/or by erroneous spirits. Mistaken energetic influences seem particularly apparent in current times. Disharmony and devastation are rampant. Many people are suffering and need our prayers to influence calm, fortitude, and faith, seconded by good spirits. Acts of kindness may also ease suffering and contribute to upending a wrongful momentum. More than ever, humanity depends upon your peace-filled heart and good moral acts to create an uplifting existence and a sense of hope. HUMAN’S BEST   Inspirationally received by Julie L. Harper God designed love and goodness as inherent characteristics within human beings. Internal peace may be reached when you align with your intrinsic nature and live from a love-filled heart. Such is our moral duty as taught by Jesus. Love can further peace within the home, community, and beyond. We are equipped by God in wondrous ways. May we all choose to live by our best selves. GOD NEVER ABANDONS US Spirit communication received by Yvonne Crespo Limoges War, violence, natural disasters, illnesses of body and soul…afflict so many in your world. Yet, in the midst of heartbreak, sorrow, fear and pain – no one is EVER abandoned. Spiritual beings full of unconditional LOVE, invisible to your eyes, surround to help all of you! Superior spirits are always present to instill their beneficial vibrations of calmness, goodness, inspiration and courage; and, to direct that unique Love coming from the Divine Source to help ease the sorrows of all God’s children. At supreme moments of pure desperation, some may feel these loving influences! The Creator is All Love and Compassion, and all are provided with spiritual assistance in order to fulfill the difficult journey of the soul on earth! 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, October Newsletter 2023 THE SPIRITUAL MARKETPLACE Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges The SPIRIT needs nourishment; it is an innate yearning; for we are spirits, first and foremost! The spirit seeks sustenance especially during times of uncertainty, fear, struggle, doubt and/or crisis. Where to seek this in this day and age? Church attendance still declining, the number of unaffiliateds (“Nones”) keep rising. Traditional religions in turmoil; recent scandals and divisions about exclusion of marginalized people (though Jesus said love everyone). People have doubts. The three major religions teach one lifetime only, to do and be what we want, but injustice, violence and sorrow is everywhere. They say only God knows why we suffer; and after death, we go to heaven or hell (for some purgatory). Seems unfair and is confusing to many. Science alone is too cold; it does not touch the soul. Materiality is all that exists, and physical death ends in oblivion. This knowledge provides no comfort to dry tears, ease breaking hearts, give consolation and hope or explains our painful ordeals or hardships. Academics (in psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, neurobiology, etc.) continue to search for who we are, our ‘consciousness’… in the brain, where it is NOT. They do NOT realize their search is for - the SOUL. There is the general public’s more open-minded comfort level with various levels of belief in spirits, the afterlife, mediumship, reincarnation, OBEs, NDEs, etc. Now even, serious discussions on UFOs (now called Unidentifiable Anomalous Phenomena) and the possibility of extraterrestrials. Nevertheless, many people have trouble making sense of all of this, and how they all may interrelate. The Internet has spread and shared all kinds of spiritual beliefs and practices around the world. For several decades now, much has been written about the state of affairs, the so-called “Spiritual Marketplace,” where individuals explore and choose beliefs and practices that may suit them to find some inner peace, some comfort and some strength to support all of life’s struggles. New trends come and go, now there’s been an increase in a contemporary Paganism (pre-Christian/Judeo beliefs and practices) with its worship of Nature, caring for the Earth, with some feminist influences. Before, most practiced in groups, now practitioners are mostly solitary. Commercialization is extensive, kits to practice are made and sold by large companies. 1 I have noticed, more and more, in stores and online, boxed kits with instructions on how to clean the energy or vibrations in one’s home and for other purposes. There are also many objects for sale (cards, crystals, incense, herbs, etc.) taken from a variety of spiritual/religious traditions (ex. American Indian, Asian, African, Caribbean, etc.). 2 Still popular are psychic fairs and open markets, held in many towns selling the same items. In addition, fortune tellers, psychics (some authentic, some not) attend and charge for their services. Practices such as meditation and yoga have continued and are popular, especially for mind-body health, and these practices are generally detached from the religions they originally came from. All the above, may be practiced secularly or with religious/spiritual intent. Each person finds their own spiritual/religious pathway. **** Spiritism respects all beliefs and values all efforts towards goodness, and all good intentions are very beneficial. Spiritists know the good spirits help all no matter what beliefs a person has or does not have, and that goodness is always rewarded. It saddens me a little because what I find mostly is a lack of belief in the Creator, and people not fully understanding the power of prayer. So many spiritually struggle due to lack of faith as they have not yet found a rational belief system which would help sustain them in their struggles. However, Spiritism explains the whys and wherefores of life and death, and each spirit will, at its own pace, morally and spiritually progress and find what they need. HATE – Spirit Communication 1 https://theconversation.com/as-witchcraft-becomes-a- multibillion-dollar-business-practitioners-connection-to-the- natural-world-is-changing-209677 2 Recently, I read articles stating some of these groups are upset over appropriation of their sacred rituals/objects without people seriously undergoing the necessary spiritual/religious education. 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, October Newsletter 2023 “Love one another and you will be happy. Above all else, take to heart the need to love all those who inspire indifference, hate and scorn. “Jesus Christ, who should be considered as your model, gave an example of this kind of devotion… “It is a painful sacrifice to love those who insult and torment us, but it is exactly this sacrifice which makes us superior to them. If you were to hate them, as they hate you, then you would be worth no more than they. “If the law of Love demands that each one love all their brothers and sisters without distinction, it does not mean that the heart will be protected as if by a breastplate against evil conduct. On the contrary, it is the most anguishing of trials… “My dear children, do not forget that love draws us near to God… THE GOOD PERSON “A good person is one who complies with the Divine laws of justice, love and charity. They examine their conscience concerning their own actions and ask themselves if they have violated those laws; if they have practiced any evil, if they have done all the good that was possible, if they have done to others everything that they would wish done to themselves. “They deposit their faith in the Creator and the Divine Laws for its goodness, justice and wisdom. “Therefore, they submit themselves in all things to them. They know that all the struggles of life, all pain and all deceptions are what they have sown by their own thoughts, words, and acts; and, all trials and tests are the circumstances they have reaped and have also have chosen to undergo within each lifetime, and accept them without complaining. “Men and women who possess the sentiments of charity and love do good for the sake of goodness, without waiting for payment of any kind. They repay evil with goodness, take up the defense of the weak against the strong and always sacrifice their own interests in the name of justice. On the other hand, the selfish person always calculates the benefits and losses arising from any generous action. “The good person is always good, humane, and benevolent with everyone, without distinction as to race or creed [etc., etc.], because they see all of humanity, as siblings. Charity guides them in every circumstance. They do not harbor hate, nor desire vengeance. Instead, they follow the example of Jesus by forgiving and forgetting all offences. These kinds of people are indulgent with the weaknesses of others because, Jesus said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” “Good people study their own imperfections and work unceasingly to combat them, using all their strength, so that tomorrow they will be able to say that they are just a little better than they were the day before. “They are not conceited about their riches, nor of any personal advantage, knowing that everything that has been given to them can be taken away. They use, but do not abuse, the possessions which have been conceded to them because they are only a deposit, for which they will be required to give full account of. “They use, but do not abuse, the possessions which have been conceded to them because they are only a deposit, for which they will be required to give full account of. “If then, by social order, a good person has been placed in a position of command over their fellow creatures, they treat them with kindness and benevolence, because before God all men are equal. They use their authority to raise up the morale of these people and never to crush them with their own pride. “Finally, a good person is always one who respects the rights of their fellow beings, as assured by the Divine laws of nature, in the same way that they would wish their own to be respected. “They are honest, trustworthy and fair in all dealings with others. These are not all the qualities which distinguish a good person, but anyone who tries hard to possess those which have been mentioned will find themselves on the right pathway which leads to all the rest and great progress for their soul.” (Excerpts from The Gospel according to Spiritism, Ch. 12 &17.) 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, October Newsletter 2023 SPIRITISM and GUILT Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges Spiritist teachings put strong emphasis on moral conduct; we clearly understand the repercussions of wrongdoing, from spirits telling us their regrets from the spirit world and teachings from our spirit guides. It makes a person very sensitive when making decisions, or upset if one makes a mistake more than the average person. We may feel guilty or a little melancholy. Yet, it is good we are sensitive, it keeps us on our guard, but God knows our limitations. If we do our best to be a good person as much as possible, correct any mistakes, make amends and do good when we can, that is all that is expected. All intent and circumstances are taken into consideration. Knowing the truth about the consequences of our conduct provides clearer guidelines to make more progress which is the purpose of material life. MONTH OF THE SPIRITS - Written by S.P. October is a month people thinking of ghosts (spirits). Places like Mexico (as well as many other countries), they celebrate the Day of the Dead: a holiday where people remember and honor the spirits of deceased loved ones with flower petals, building home altars filled with favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and going to the gravesites. 3 Halloween has become a quite a commercial holiday with candy treats, decorations, tricks and so on, but in the ancient past in many forms, this was a pagan celebration after the harvest and when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off the spirits of the dead. Spiritist mediums and sessions, communicate with spirits to receive moral teachings and to provide a charity by giving guidance to those spirits who may need it. Also, when we pray for and remember people that have passed into the spirit world, it is comforting and helpful to them, and loved ones are especially happy to be remembered by us. PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL ASSISTANCE Beloved superior spirit messengers and good spirit protectors, that God’s infinite mercy has permitted to assist mankind, be our protectors in this world so full of sorrow and during all life’s tests! Give us the necessary strength, courage and resignation; inspire in us towards all that is good. May your sweet influences of love and charity fill our souls. Also, never abandon us, for we need all of your protection to be able to support with faith and love, all the tests and trials of life. Amen PRAYER FOR THE TIMES We ask for spiritual assistance for all those in violent conflicts. We pray for all those who have returned to the spirit world through violence. May all these find relief from their suffering and traumas. The effects on populations due to natural catastrophes, violence and war leave so many in terrible circumstances, we pray they will receive alleviation in whatever form to address their many needs. May the warmth of the Divine Light help ease the plight of the suffering upon the earth. Help us all to be able to lift ourselves up to meet the level of our trials and tests. May humankind seek out peace and love in their actions on earth, sooner rather than later. AMEN ****************************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director E-mail: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com

Periespíritu: Cuerpo Espiritual o campo energético?