Animal Rights in Spiritualism – Newsletter 2012.

Dedicated to Clive Morris, Jamie Bunce, Enemy Phillips and Robert Yorke who played special parts in raising awareness of the abuse and also the spirituality of those dear creatures we share our world with.

Hello Everybody and Season’s Greetings,

Most will now have heard that the the badger cull, wrongly thought necessary to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis, will now not go ahead, at least until next year. However, we must be ready to fight any recommence and a good site to check for such news is http:www.brianmay.com It is also useful to know that The Observer newspaper published a letter, signed by prominent scientists, claiming that the disease would be increased were the cull to go ahead.

On a dark but more humorous note, Albert Gould, our Oxford contact, who lives near the first area to have been granted a licence to cull badgers, informed me that activists had been warned that, should they try to sabotage the event, one of the legal charges that could be brought against them was one of “disturbing the badgers” ??!!!

Round the Areas.

Let us begin by sending our heartfelt thoughts to Melody and Kate Morris in Essex , on the passing of Clive, on December 10^th, last year. A dedicated and inspiring supporter of A.R.I.S., Clive best described himself as Astrologer Extraordinaire, with his thought- provoking charts relating to planetary rule of individual animal and vegetable species. A lways a willing helper , we will sadly miss him but I’m certain he’ll be working for animals in the Spirit World.

Our lightworking circle here in Chesterfield, seems to be developing toward animal/ human spirit rescue while Patrick’s talks/films on the effects of the vegan diet in the treatment of disease have directly helped some who attended the events and benefited Hillside Animal Sanctuary and the Sea Shepherd through donations we collected there and on the leafleting stalls.

During the summer, Therese McElwee in Surrey led a group to pray for abused animals while Lorraine Drake in Devon, has been busy with campaign work for the ‘Uncaged’ anti-vivisection group.

Simone Phillips, who has been an essential help over the years with the technical side of the website has recently informed me that her cat, Enemy, has passed over. Simone, a true Spiritualist, is coping well with this in the knowledge that Enemy is now free of pain and in a place of love , light and happy cat ‘hours’. When we truly trust in survival of the spirit, it is easier to bear such passings by opening our hearts to those desperate to greet us instead of mourning, for too long, the loss of their outer shell.

This year seems to have flown. It appears to have manifested itself as a year of karmic payment, with issues to do with the ‘Hillsborough Disaster’ and the late Jimmy Saville’s alleged abuse of children now being seen in a new light by the authorities.

It is interesting to note that most who commit violence towards human children and adults, also have a history of cruelty to animals, starting in their childhood. Albert DeSalvo, the Boston Strangler, who killed thirteen women, used to trap animals in boxes then shoot arrows through them. It is also said that those who use violence towards animals are five times more likely to have been arrested for crimes against humans.

So, we must ask ourselves, “What does this say about those who have been caught on undercover film, systematically tormenting and beating animals in slaughterhouses, farms, circuses and laboratories?” The link between the two should surely be checked by those official bodies dealing with crime rates .

For more information on this subject go to the Google link “The Link: Cruelty to Animals and Violence towards People.”

Speaking of cruelty to animals and that of vivisection in particular, do those of you who have supported A.R.I.S. from its beginning remember the article about .Jamie the Beagle who escaped further suffering in a laboratory when , upon its closure, he was lucky enough to be sent to a sanctuary ? Although still in the body, this traumatised dog communicated with his new ‘mum’, A.R.I.S. Member, Ruby Bunce, through an international medium. After giving heart-rending information regarding his time as an experiment, his accurate descriptions of his new home environment and comforts, so lovingly given by Ruby, were powerful evidence of animal love, intelligence, integrity and communication.

Sadly, Jamie passed over in July. I’m sure, as a figurehead of our group, you would all want to join with me in sending loving thoughts not only to Jamie in Spirit but to Ruby who cared for him over the years . Both Ruby and her sister, Rita are now in their eighties and having helped look after ten cats, Rita is still able to stay outside late into the evening , feeding all the needy wild and stray creatures.

Let us honour Jamie’s survival and progression in spirit by dedicating Part One of the following article by another devoted supporter and animal communicator, to his memory:

WHY SHOULDN’T WE COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS? DISCUSS

by Maggie Keynes

People have brought animals into their surroundings for millennia; firstly hunting them for meat and clothing, then “domesticating” them as livestock, working animals and companions. We are surrounded by wild animals and birds, and some of them are fortunate enough to be given suitable food by those who accept that so much of animals’ habitats have been destroyed and wish to redress the balance a little. The animals and birds recognise this, often appearing just before feeding time, and sometimes becoming quite familiar, as much as their wild heritage will allow. Having studied animal communication for some years, I know that each animal is an individual spirit, and just like us, they survive physical death. Animals who have gone to Spirit before us, and whom we have loved in life will be there to meet us when we pass over, along with our dear friends and relatives. Animals who have never been close to us will join their own kindred spirits, but each as an individual. I do not subscribe to the idea of “group souls”, meaning that insects for instance, have only one spirit between them (!) Everyone living in this amazing world is a spirit having a physical existence, and when the body is no longer able to survive, that spirit lives for ever; as mediums we can communicate with them, and each spirit can communicate with another if they so wish. Remember “free will” also applies in the Spirit world.

No doubt we all know someone who talks to their animals. Do animals understand our language? Of course they do, how else would they respond? They understand many of our words through repetition, followed by kind action, the important ones being “food”, “walk” and “I love you”; not to mention the word “Vet”! How many animals (especially cats) with a veterinary appointment suddenly happen to go missing just before they are due to be taken, only to reappear when the relevant time has passed? Many vets understand this, and often hold “first come, first serve” appointments.

Animals communicate with us, too (hence the missed vet appointments!). They are watching us all the time to see what we are going to do next, and I believe they also pick up our thoughts very easily, even when they are dozing. The renowned author, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, has written a book entitled: “Dogs who know when their owners are coming home (and other unexplained powers of animals)”, ISBN 978-0-09-925587-1. This book gives an amazing insight on how dogs, cats, horses, birds and other animals are so tuned-in to energy-waves of the natural world they “pick up” telepathically not only our thoughts, but the thoughts of other people, other animals, and imminent events: for instance, earthquakes and other dangers, especially air-strikes during the war years. Many of you will have seen that wonderful cartoon drawing – author unknown – where a person is sending the thought to his dog, who is just a couple of metres away: “Come here”, and similarly, the dog is replying: “No”!

Many people believe that thoughts create a vibration in the web of the Universal energies which surround us, and these vibrations can be accessed, especially if we (and animals) are in that frame of mind, often called Alpha, which can be translated as “relaxed concentration”. For instance, an animal in trouble will send out signals of distress, and there are many instances of an injured, mistreated or lost animal being discovered because “I just felt drawn to that area”. As Spiritualists of course, we are also aware that the Spirit world will intervene in a positive way, if asked.

I remember once being ready to move house and my Siamese cat had somehow escaped outside, no doubt because he knew he was about to be transported to another home and wanting to investigate his rather large countryside-territory one last time, he was certainly not within calling distance. Having searched for what seemed ages, I sent up a desperate plea to the Universe, to Spirit and to him, visualising him returning quickly, and by the safest route possible. He did, within ten minutes! Now, I know my thoughts were received, as I had been told a long time before by one of the local farmers that my cat often visited his property well over half a mile away, much too far away for my voice to be heard.

Another time, another of my cats was very ill with a stomach tumour, and I had taken him to the vet, who subsequently rang me to offer the advice that my cat should be euthanased whilst he was under anaesthetic. Sadly I agreed, as no amount of healing or veterinary treatment would have saved him. About two weeks later, I was sitting quietly with his feline friend, and was suddenly aware of a sensation of immeasurable sadness, an emotion without words or tears invading my senses, so powerful, that I turned to look at my cat, who was staring at me. I realised this emotion was coming from him; he was mourning the absence of his dearest friend, and this bereft little cat was communicating the desolation of his loss to me, asking me in all his sorrow not only to help him cope, but to understand his grief.

So you see, by communicating with our animals, we can help them not only to be safe, but to be able to assist each other in times of distress, and allow them to understand that we as humans are “on their side” as it were. Of course, we should not burden them too much with all our own emotional baggage; that would just be so unfair to them, but to know we can ask them to empathise with our ups and downs, just as we do theirs, is a wonderful way of interacting with them, for believe me – they know us well.

_______________________

Part Two of Maggie’s article teaches us how to communicate with our animals and will be printed in next year’s issue. Please note – part 1 as well as 2 may not be published by any other media. Please  Contact Maggie through A.R.I.S.

 

It would appear that animals are not the only living beings we may learn to communicate with but plants also have a lot to say to us, under their breath, so to speak.

This captivating subject was aired in Tony Ortzen’s editorial in the issue of Two Worlds Magazine. Here is an excerpt from it. I’m sure you will be touched by the sensitivity our leafy friends in their empathy and sympathy for others:

“ MANY years ago, a fascinating book came out Called “The Secret Life of Plants,” amongst those featured was Cleve Backster, an interrogation specialist with the CIA. One of the book’’s claims is that plants may be sentientdespite their lack of a nervous systemand a brain.

Mr Backster conducted research which led him to believe that plants can communicate with other life forms. After attaching sensors to plants, he discovered that they reacted to harm, such as cutting their leaves, and to harmful thoughts of humans in proximity to them.

He also found that plants were aware of each other, mourned the death of anything –– even bacteria killed when boiling water is poured down a sink –– and strongly disliked people who kill plants carelessly or during scientific research.”

All this recently came to mind when a “Sunday Times” article reported that scientists have discovered plants can respond to sound and even generate their own clicking noises.

“Researchers at Bristol University who carried out experiments with corn,” wrote Hannah Summers, “detected “clicking coming from the roots. They used a loudspeaker to play a continuous noise at a similar frequency to the clicks and found that the plants grew towards it. The clicking sounds are inaudible to humans and detectable only with lasers.”

Biology professor Daniel Robert said, “These very noisy little clicks have the potential to constitute a channel of communication between the roots.””

At the end of his article, Tony finished with:

“Fascinating stuff. But as a virtual vegan, I’’m now a little concerned that a tomato, cucumber, potato, pepper or peach might screech as I bite into them……”

It didn’t stop him putting together the following gastronomically delightful article for our newsletter, though:

Tony’s Trattoria by Tony Ortzen.

A COUPLE of months ago, I celebrated working for the Spiritualist movement full-time for forty years. One of the greatest aspects about Spiritualism is that as well as offering demonstrable evidence of human survival after death, this same vital principle applies to animals, too. Spirit cannot be destroyed and is the very essence of life and so-called death.

Sadly, very few Spiritualists are vegan or vegetarian. Strange, is it not, how so many of our colleagues will weep buckets when a much-loved pet passes on, then settle down for a ham sandwich or beef casserole? A vegan diet does not automatically make one more spiritual, but it does engender great warmth, love, compassion and concern for all forms of life.

To that end, here’s some great news. Tesco has recently expanded its range of Free From products, which now includes various vegan goodies. At my local store, for instance, one can now find Tesco vegan hard Cheddar cheese, spreadable Cheddar cheese and vegan cream cheese (one with garlic, the other with chilli). And that’s not all. The chain is also promoting its own brand of vegan crème caramel (four to a pack), individual vegan jellies (with some fresh raspberries in the middle) and some new flavour soya yogurts.

Also look out for soya milks containing almonds, hazelnuts and rice. On top of that, my nearest Tesco is now stocking a fabulous vegan lemon cheesecake. Found in the freezer section, it’s made by Food Heaven. See www.lovefoodheaven.com Before I forget, a terrific site worth visiting is www.veggiestuff.com which offers a broad range of vegan food by post. Sent overnight, chilled items are kept cool by some ice cube-like strips.

Both the farming and dairy industries are incredibly cruel and callous. Type Day old chicks minced alive into Google and you’ll find some truly terrible stories of the brutality inflicted on totally innocent sentient creatures. As we know, calves are torn from their mothers so humans can drink the milk which is rightfully theirs. Similarly, type Calves killed into Google for an array of shameful and sickening statistics.

With Christmas Day fast approaching comes the annual problem of how to decide upon an easy to prepare but delicious vegan lunch. Look no further! Here’s a suggestion from a fictional Tony’s Trattoria. It’s easy on the pennies, but great on the palate. All the ingredients are readily available from major supermarkets or health food shops. Aprons on? Hands washed? Let’s get cracking in the kitchen… and go easy on the sherry whilst cooking!

Parboil some peeled, chopped lengthways sweet potatoes. Once drained, place in the oven covered with olive oil, lemon juice and brown sugar. Slice a tin of Nuttolene (available from Holland and Barrett, for instance) down the middle, so the two halves resemble a half moon shape.

Drizzle some olive oil over this peanut-based vegan loaf along with a sprig or two of fresh rosemary and pop in the oven. Nuttolene is already cooked, so only takes about 20-30 minutes to brown on top, and is nice served with some redcurrant sauce. You can also put some already boiled parsnips in the oven to roast gently to a golden glow.

Fresh Brussels sprouts are transformed if, just before serving, you add some chopped chestnuts and vegan margarine, then grate nutmeg over the top. Garlic mushrooms are also easy. Merely wipe clean some button mushrooms and gently fry along with lashings of fresh garlic. To complete the festive feast, how about some red cabbage and apple? Most supermarkets sell this ready prepared. Meanwhile, to add another splash of colour, the previous day you could always cook carrots and swede together, mash with vegan margarine and reheat on Christmas Day with some tongue-tingling freshly milled black pepper on top.

As for stuffing, many supermarkets sell a wide range of vegan varieties, which are easy to jazz up with a few pieces of chopped apricot, diced walnuts, lemon zest and extra herbs, such as thyme.

Now to my secret recipe for vegan gravy. Stir a few teaspoons of cornflour and olive oil over a gentle heat for two to three minutes. Gradually add some made up vegan stock, a little Marmite and soya sauce, stirring all the time. At the last moment, add some of the retained water from the Brussels sprouts and parsnips along with some dried mixed herbs.

To pudding. Many shop-bought Christmas puddings are entirely vegan. Once heated up, light with brandy, then serve with vegan single cream, sherry sauce or vegan Swedish Glace vanilla ice cream.

So there you have it – a wonderful Christmas cruelty-free feast with no death or destruction. Not for us the turkey raised in concentration camp-type conditions or many other forms of animal-kind which have been reared in equally appalling circumstances and then summarily executed. Let’s all have a wonderful Christmas and peaceful New Year along with the hope that an ever-increasing number of people will eschew a meat-based diet and go for compassionate cooking on each and every day of the coming year and far, far beyond…

Tony Ortzen edits “Two Worlds,” Spiritualism’s 76-page independent monthly magazine, which was founded in 1887. Two free copies are available to download at www.twoworldsmag.co.uk If you would like a sample copy sent by post, please e-mail your name and address to tortzen@globalnet.co.uk or write to “Two Worlds,” PO Box 55307, London SE16 6WW. An annual UK postal subscription is £22.95. If you decide to take out a subscription, please mention you are an ARIS supporter and “Two Worlds” will give you fifteen months for the price of twelve. (This offer only applies to new subscribers.)

Pat’s Points: Dog Vaccination by Patrick Rattigan. N.D.

‘I have been breeding for 47 years and showing for 37 years. You could not give me a dog if I knew it had been inoculated.’ Mr G Messenger Fauna Mag. 11 The UK dog cancer plague is far more out of control, per head of population, than even human cancer occurrence. Figures from the Canine Health Census showed that, of those dogs whose owners had reported cancer amongst their animals, 31 percent occurred within three months of vaccination. Of those with a cancerous tumour or other growth at the vaccination site, 67 percent were within three months. Other three month vaccine/disease correlations included: diarrhoea – 68%, allergies – 55%, auto-immune diseases – 55%, colitis – 57%, epilepsy – 65%, loss of appetite – 80%, nervousness – 55%, skin problems – 46%vomiting – 72%, weight-loss – 63%, behavioural problems – 55%, encephalitis – 75%, kidney damage – 40%, lameness – 52%, liver damage – 47%rear-end paralysis – 64%, nasal discharges – 84% …

Honest vets speak out –

“The first thing that we must change with routine vaccinations is the myth that vaccines are not harmful. Veterinarians and animal guardians have come to realise that they are not protecting animals from disease by annual vaccinations but, in fact, are destroying the health and immune systems of these same animals they love and care for.” Charles E Loops DVM Pittsboro NC.

“I believe that poor diet and vaccinations are responsible for most chronic diseases. Acute ‘diseases’ are discharges of toxins and energies from the body… By preventing these discharges, vaccines result in chronic disorders. Injected vaccines by-pass normal defences.. They implant mutated micro-organisms, preservatives, foreign animal proteins .. directly into the system… vaccine labels say they are to be given to healthy animals only. If they were truly healthy they would not need them. Those who are not healthy are the most severely damaged.”

Russell Swift DVM Fort Lauderdale FL

“The idea of annual vaccines is really questionable… .. there is no basis for the practice. There are a lot of chronic conditions that develop some time after.. chronic ear infections, digestive problems, seizures, skin problems and behavioural problems. Stephen R Blake DVM San Diego CA

“The increasing problems with allergic, immunological and chronic debilitating disease seen today have been attributed by some veterinarians and scientists to introduction of modified live viral vaccines about 20 years ago. The MLV vaccines… multiply in the host and shed viral vaccine viral agents into the surroundings.” Jean Dodds DVM Santa Monica CA.

“The most common problems I see are that are directly related to vaccines… are ear and skin conditions.. chronic discharge and itching .. behaviour problems … fearfulness.. aggression … these begin shortly after vaccination and are exacerbated after every vaccine.

I see the overall health and longevity of animals deteriorating. The bodies of most animals have a tremendous capacity to detoxify poisons but they do have a limit .. we overwhelm the immune system with toxins from vaccines poor quality foods, insecticides, environmental toxins.” Pat Bradley DVM Conway AR.

“Routine vaccinations are probably the worst thing that we do to our animals. They cause all types of illnesses .. there is no need for annual vaccinations .. they definitely cause chronic diseases. As a homoeopath it is almost impossible to cure an animal without first addressing the problems vaccines have caused.”

Christina Chambreau DVM Sparks MD.

“In an ideal world you probably wouldn’t use vaccines at all : you’d use nutrition and perhaps homoeopathic nosodes. If an animal already has problems ,, these problems are contributed to by vaccines. So I don’t want to give them any more.” Michael Lemmon DVM Renton WA

” .. our society is is in the grip of a health panacea .. fuelled by the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Vaccinations have become the modern day equivalent of leeching .. introducing foreign material via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection is extremely upsetting to the body’s defence system. In response …. there have been increased autoimmune disease, epilepsy, neoplasia, .. behavioural problems in small animals …cancer, respiratory disorders and auto immune disorders have escalated alarmingly.” Mike Kohn DVM Madison WI

” .. vaccinations have the ability to block response to a .. remedy … vaccination of the parent is sufficient to confer chronic vaccine disease on the offspring .. Vaccinosis .. results in mental, emotional and physical changes that can .. be a permanent condition .. because .. of repeated vaccination acute diseases such as canine distemper have changed form to appear as a great variety of chronic diseases. Students are told how wonderful vaccines are .. the attitudes .. people now have about vaccinations are the same ones people used to have about bleedings. The prominent doctors, all the important authorities, agreed they were absolutely beneficial We look back with amazement that so many people bought the idea for so long .. we will be doing the same thing some day when we look back at the practice of vaccination.” Richard H Ptitcairn DVM PhD

Animal and human vaccines are “safety-tested” on animals : as experimental results cannot be extrapolated from one animal to another of the same species, let alone from rat to dog or monkey to man, the tests are totally irrelevant. The vaccines contain a wide range of toxins : animal-derived proteins and viruses, mercury, gelatine, formaldehyde, aluminium, carbolic acid, antibiotics, squalene .. this is injected directly beneath the skin, by-passing most of the immune system. Because of the ingredients and the method of administration, nothing is in the same class as a destroyer of animal and human health, as vaccination.

Living Within a New Era of Understanding.

by The Cosmic Brotherhood,

through the mediumship of

Richard Marshall.

As we have said before, great change is about to befall the Earth and it is imperative for humans to change old ideas, as well as habits.. The brotherhood of not only humans but of all living things is a pre-requisite that shall bring forth a new spiritual dimension for all concerned. The time is fast approaching whereby all who share the Earth shall be joined together as brothers and sisters, each acting as a tiny link attached to a very large chain, anchored within the very depths of the Earth. All it takes to break this connection is for one link to fail at its weakest point then what follows next is chaos as, gradually, in turn, others begin to fail. You see, the strength of this chain is governed by equally strong links within its fabric. However, all its strength shall weaken as events take hold. This is why we must act now to strengthen, not only our bond with each other but also our connection throughout the universe. It would be a false notion, would it not, if we were to somehow believe that life could not possibly exist elsewhere in the universe, other than on Earth. You see, as the vibrationary rate of the Earth heightens to accommodate change, a new era of understanding shall be the order of the day, where wars shall cease as a consequence, where the intolerence of religion and the indifference of man shall no longer exist within this environment. A new dawn of understanding is coming and it is the responsibility of each individual soul to prepare themselves for this event…

Other worlds are watching to see how humans prepare themselves and to what degree they adapt to this new force. You see, those living in these other worlds, whilst declining to help in the current climate of the Earth, due to its lapse into degradation and chaos, shall, none the less, assist humans once this event of major proportions has taken place. It shall not be the first time that this has happened during the life-cycle of the Earth Spirit. You see, in ages past, when other great occurrences have befallen your world, other beings from elsewhere in the solar system have come into contact with humans to lend a helping hand. How do you think that, at certain times in Earth’s history, there were societies that flourished far beyond all others? Many of these societies were more technologically advanced, for their age, than those who dwell upon the Earth today. The reason for their demise, however, lay within themselves. Each time these visitors come, they teach us the true art of knowledge and as a consequence,the experience is extremely beneficial to all concerned. When these highly intelligent beings leave us, once more, to our own devices, over much period of time, the knowledge given to benefit all becomes de-based and corrupted beyond all recognition of its origins. Yet, despite this, they shall return once more, so that we may build a new world, as we let go of the past.

All Life is Sacred.

If I was an animal, a tree, or a child,

I could be free. I could run wild.

The body is different. The soul is the same.

We all feel joy and sadness and pain.

The animal and baby have spiritual eyes

Reflecting God’s beauty, just like a blue sky

But humans do capture, distort and corrupt

The beauty of nature, a babe, or a pup

Torturing, murdering, selling for greed,

Devouring, as they greedily feed

On blood, on flesh, on sinew and brain.

On this fair planet, evil does reign.

‘Veggies’ campaign to stop all killing

But where’s the help? How many are willing

To save a baby, to save a child

And all God’s animals, tame or wild?

Karmic lessons are on their way!

Too late to change? Let’s try, anyway!

Communities form and grow their food.

Will man change his heart and mood?

When all life unites, we will be free,

When thinking of ‘you’ instead of ‘me’

Interplanetary rescues may take place

But only of a Spiritual race…

The tiny few –

Of me? Of you?

Anon.

A Message Regarding Animal Abusers,

channelled to A.R.I.S.

from the One Earth Mission guides

through the mediumship of

Mandel Rheems.

Let us recognise that with any great saint there also lies a great sinner. Where there is truth, we will also find lies. This is a dual universe. But, if we speak from the truth and the wisdom within, without judgement at all, we will be accepted more fully, than if we alienate ourselves from the evil-doers. If we can surmount their evil, then they will have no power. They will understand, through the power that is released in our words and the love and forgiveness we offer them.

As we speak for those beings that are so unfortunately suffering at the hands of the evil-doers, the only way that we can free them from pain and set them free forever is through forgiveness, mercy and truth. So, let the few words we say be a means to help us come together in that great task ahead of liberating the beloved animals, the plants and minerals and all living beings of nature including the elemental forces, from the bondage and abuse of ignorance and fear.

We all bless you from those who are committed to this Mission, One Earth and if we can aid further in this project, then we are here to offer guidance in humbleness and truth..

_______________________

Animal and Human Healing List.

Please let us know if you have an addition to the list of names below or if you wish to be remove from it.

Sharon Jones, Sian Winstanley, Sue fox, Carole Neale-Eyre, Lucy Rattigan,Tony Ortzen, & Ruby Bunce and sister, Rita, Leisha & Philip Yates, Philip’s mother, Mike & Oriel Blissett, Peter Spillet, Pat Taylor, , Ayala, Barnaby, Solo, Hetta, Janet Williams, Pamela Williams, Sylvia & Brian Lydyard, Judy, Denise Bottal’s mum, Shirley Mahoney, Socks, , Alison Nichols, Sylvia Murphy, Phyllis White, Shadow, , Phyllis James, Joan Birch & friends, Roger Raynes, Betsy, Poppy, Lucy, Margaret Towler & Kevin, her cat, Vivienne Brocklehurst, Gina Szwelicka, A.J., Sian Winstanley, the Alan Berry family, Bangers, Don & Tracie Gwillim, Annie, Dalcin Stacey, P.R., Pina Marsala, Patricia Thompson, Lucy, Dr. Carling, Albert Gould, , Richard Marshall, Simone & Gerard Phillips, Juliet Gale and cat, Monty, Charlotte Orr, Margaret Slack, Elaine.Hall, Mary & Zoe Ashton, Jennifer Preston, Vivien White, Kate Berridge, Pippin and all in need.

We Are Greyhounds.

By Alistair Hamilton.

We are greyhounds who served our masters well.

We won many a race and made their bank balances swell.

Now many of our kind have left those racing days far behind

With younger dogs taking our place, we have long had our final race.

Our working life is over and times are really hard.

We are feeling down, here, in the knacker’s yard.

So, next time you place a bet, just think of what we do.

We are greyhounds and we die to entertain you!

____

NB: Every year tens of thousands of greyhounds are injured, abused, neglected, starved and killed.

“The average retirement age for a greyhound is 3-4 years old and they can live for 16 years. Every year, 10,000 dogs leave registered racing, but the Retired Greyhound Trust only organises homes for just over 3,000. Some of the remaining 7,000 dogs may find good homes, but others may be drowned, poisoned or shot. “

Animal Aid.

For further information,Contact Animal Aid at The Old Chapel
Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent. TN9 1AW Tel: +44 (0)1732 364546 or email +44 (0) 1732 364546

We offer many thanks to Alistair for benefiting A.R.I.S from the sale of the first and second editions of his poetry, the total raised being £190.59.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who help our group, whether it be of practical or moral support .

In the past, Kate Berridge, who blessed our newsletter with her animal communication stories, is one such supporter. Sadly, she lost her partner, Robert Yorke, on the 26^th April, this year. To help her recovery through work, Kate, a versatile healer, hopes to run a course on Celtic Healing techniques in Nottingham from February to October of next year.. 

With Christmas coming up, readers may be interested in handmade cards, specially designed for the individual preference. A.R.I.S. Supporter, Nicky Low, will create beautiful specimens . Purchasers can choose the theme, whether it be animals, angels or something more unusual.

Churches.

At this point, I would ask that if anyone wishes to have a free batch of our “Aims & Policy” and “What the Guides Say…” leaflets for their local Spiritualist church, to get in touch with me at H.Q. I do send them to churches/centres anyway, but it is good to have an A.R.I.S. contact as go-between. ‘Churches’ do not have to join A.R.I.S, only to read our message. Among those ones who have supported A.R.I.S. at one time or another are Clarkson St. , and Whitham Road, Sheffield, both displaying our leaflets and providing healers for our fund-raising event.

Ethics of Crystal Purchase– update.

Further to my comments in last year’s newsletter regarding the use of our planet’s crystals, I have since gathered some interesting information helpful to those wishing to purchase new crystals for their spiritual and healing work.

Upon visiting my local ‘New Age’ “Aladdin’s Cave” or rather Curious Goods, 4, The Shambles, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, owned by vegetarian, Jonathon Kudibal , I was informed that most crystals sold are a by-product of copper mining and would be pulped if there weren’t the demand for them from buyers like himself. He told me that Lemurian crystals are also the ones to buy if there are any concerns regarding the welfare of our mother, Earth.

If you live in the area or are visiting the Peak District on holiday, do pop in to the above. It is a shop filled with natural scents , truly beautiful gifts, spiritual books, healing music and a wonderful atmosphere. A mine of information on spiritual matters, Jonny is always willing to answer any questions according to his experience.

Donkeys.

Because of our usual focus, quite rightly, on the cruelty of the turkey business prior to Christmas, we sometimes forget that beast of so many burdens throughout the ages ; a beloved feature of the church crib – the donkey. Along with the Ox , this animal was , according to Christian history, blessed to share the birth-place of the Christ. Yet, during this celebratory season, both creatures continue to be cruelly exploited, as they are all year round, no more so than in the case of the donkeys of ‘The Holy Land’.

Here, in the land where Jesus was born, these noble beings are callously abandoned by the wayside when they can no longer carry heavy loads or serve their masters, Jewish and Palestinian alike. Here, they may die of thirst or be tortured by sadistic youths, who have been known to cut off their ears.

Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land, is a charity set up by a British woman who now lives there with her Israeli husband. Lucy Fensom has not only set up sanctuary for these dear animals but educates their owners as to their proper care. Lucy also has a team who give basic help and advice on treatment when the donkeys are ill. She is struggling to keep this project going financially and without her, there would be a hopeless situation.

For this reason, her charity is on the A.R.I.S. ‘Special’ list and was the one to benefit from our stall takings at The Imperial Rooms, Matlock on the 10^th November, as part of the “Xmas Feelgood Fayre” organised by Caron Jones.

We can only help in these ways which sometimes seem inadequate, considering the enormous task of ridding animal cruelty in all its aspects but “every little helps” as the saying goes. Therefore, if this cause pulls at your heartstrings at this time of year, do contact: Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land, (U.K.address) The Old Dairy, Springfield Farm, Lewes Road, Skaynes Hill, Haywards heath, West Sussex, RH17 7NG. Tel: 01444831172

Speaking of sanctuaries, I do hope any supporters who ordered books from Hugletts Farm Animal Sanctuary received them. I say this because I have still not received mine, a year later, the reason given that they were lost in the post. The last I heard, Hugletts were putting in a claim for the lost books at the post office.

 

“The animal shall not be measured by man.

In a world older and more complex than ours,

they move finished and complete,

gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost

or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.

They are not underlings; they are other nations caught , with ourselves, in the net of life and time; fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the Earth.”

Henry Boston.

Elissa Rattigan A.R.I.S. 1, Quarry Bank Rd. ,Chesterfield S41 0HH.

Tel: 01246 230474 email : elissarattigan@hotmail.com Website. : www.arisgroup.org