Animal Rights in Spiritualism

Union tackles hot topic of climate change

One of the various pressing problems world leaders discussed at the G7 conference last month in Cornwall was climate change.

In this special interview with “Psychic News,” Minister David R. Bruton, President of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU), describes the part it is playing in helping to halt a worldwide environmental catastrophe.

First, David makes some opening remarks. Further points put to him appear in italics.

THE Spiritualists’ National Union has designated 2021 as the Year of the Environment.

It is clear that all parts of humanity need to act now if we are to secure the future of our planet for the generations which will follow us.

Our faith communities have to step up and take part, encouraging their congregations to engage with the greater whole.

As a major religion, we need to work to inform our communities, so they in turn can take positive action both at a church and individual level to change the way we live.

The clock is ticking. The fundamental changes we need to make cannot be delayed any longer. Spiritualists well recognise their personal responsibility to be part of the process of change to help bring benefit to everyone.

Recently the union posted online how trees at Stansted Hall, which houses the Arthur Findlay College, are benefitting the environment. Can you tell readers something about this?

In the grounds of our headquarters at Stansted Hall, Essex, the trees on the estate alone offset 18.5 cubic tonnes of CO2 each year and generate enough oxygen for almost 2,000 people.Many of the trees are both historic and iconic, inspiring a respect for nature in so many people who visit. Arthur Findlay purchased the Stansted Hall estate back in 1924 as his retirement home. One of the major factors in his decision to move from Glasgow to Essex was the fine collection of trees on the estate, which was designed in the 17^th century by the renowned landscape designer Humphrey Repton.

Inside our buildings, economy and ecology go hand in hand to preserve resources and limit our impact on the environment.

The Arthur Findlay College is set in acres of grounds. Have you thought about creating a wild flower meadow, which would not only please the human eye, but also attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, and help nature generally?

Yes, over the years we have scattered wildflower seeds throughout the meadows and woodlands, and continue to do so.

We have many varieties of flora and fauna on the estate including red clover, primroses, wild thyme, field scabious, honeysuckle, meadow vetchling, buttercups, alder and buckthorn as well as lots of other meadow and wildflowers to attract butterflies and pollinating insects.

We also have a substantial amount of lavender planted around the grounds and are pleased to report that we have a healthy amount of bees which both nest and regularly visit our gardens.

In addition, we often regularly see tiger moths, stag beetles and an abundance of various butterflies of all colours. We allow nettles to grow to protect their eggs and give shelter.

This shows that UK wildlife thrives in our grounds and is equally welcome, abundant and happy to be here.

We have also scattered wildflower seeds in the British Legion meadow which leads to the SNU’s memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

This provides a stunning environment for pollinating insects and human visitors alike.

Are there any plans to reinstate the organic vegetable garden outside Redwoods, the union’s HQ?

The garden is still used to grow fruit, which is used at the college. We established a project some twelve years ago to use the garden to grow fresh vegetables again on the estate very much as the Findlay family had throughout the war years.

After initial trials, the scheme was withdrawn because it was simply not economically effective.

However, the College Committee keeps all aspects of the college’s operations under review. Just because something has failed in the past does not necessarily mean it will not work in the future.

Does the hall try and order locally sourced produce for guests to eat and choose those which are grown in the UK rather than transported from mainland Europe and other parts of the world?

Always. We use organic and locally sourced produce wherever we can. In addition, the market garden offers us apples, peaches, pears, figs and summer fruits that we pick and serve to our students.

Our main supplier is just seven miles from the hall. Vegetables and salads are supplied from the local village shop, which sources its produce mainly from the UK and local farms.

Earlier this year, the UK’s Committee on Climate Change suggested that people should eat much less beef, lamb and dairy products.

This always causes a snigger, but it’s no laughing matter that the beef and dairy cattle industry is one of the main contributors to global greenhouse gasses.

In fact, livestock generates more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transport sector, such as cars, trains, ships and planes.

Will the college start offering more vegan dishes and actively encourage guests, tutors and staff to choose this option?

The answer is a firm “Yes!” The college manager and chefs have been working on vegan recipes for some time, aiming to balance nutrition with tasty options where you do not even notice that a meal does not contain meat, fish or dairy.

The college manager has switched to a vegan diet in order to cook, test, balance, explore and see for herself the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

Based on first-hand knowledge and experience, we are able to offer our students a much wider variety of vegan options that will entice and benefit them to embrace this healthier, responsible and compassionate way of eating.

Meat-free days are promoted to encourage our students to reflect on the link between our plate and our planet.

Whilst some are very hesitant to convert, we agree that there is an increasing number of people who are steering towards veganism for benefits to health, the environment and to prevent animal exploitation.

Veganism is a sustainable option to look after the planet. There are so many health benefits to live this way. We feel that eventually it is going to be understood and embraced as the norm.

Sadly, vegans and vegetarians are few in number within Spiritualism. Isn’t it time that more Spiritualists put the planet before their palate and adopted a vegan or vegetarian diet?

For everyone, Spiritualist or not, we know that the move towards a plant-based diet is a powerful and increasingly accessible way to reduce our environmental impact. It’s something we can all do.

Spiritualists might also look to our teachings for support and confirmation, in particular those of Silver Birch, who advocated compassion towards animals. We can express our spiritual understanding through our consumption.

Reducing our reliance on animal agriculture and moving towards plant-based and vegan lifestyles can be part of an ecological and spiritual journey, and bring greater balance and compassion into the world.

Is leftover food at the hall collected by the local council and turned into compost?

Essex Council collects all of our food waste. It is sent to an anaerobic plant that produces a biogas to generate electricity and creates a rich soil which farmers use for their fields.

Does the hall recycle as much as possible?The local council also collects our recyclable waste for recycling paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastic and more.The hall manages its own garden waste; nothing is burned. We compost and shred garden waste, which all goes back into the garden and grounds.We operate safe disposal for other waste such as oil and paints in conjunction with our nominated suppliers and the local council.

Does the hall use cleaning products which do not harm the environment?

In one simple word “Yes.” We carry out risk assessments on our products annually and are forever looking for and switching to environmentally friendly solutions and balance products versus efficiency.

In addition, the hall receives its chemicals in large containers and decants them into smaller containers, recycling the bottles, so we help avoid a tonne of plastic pollution.

Whatever we can do to make the world a greener place is fine by us. We recognise the need to do our bit and make it happen.

Would it be feasible to install solar panels at the hall? If the roof isn’t an option, what about panels somewhere on the estate?

Sadly, previous applications to add solar panels onto our roof and into our meadows have been refused, as we are an historic building with many planning restrictions.However, as laws change, we will pursue applications, as it would be both cost effective as well as an environmental success.

Is the hall centrally heated? If so, is the method currently used kind to the environment?

Yes. We have both gas and electric heating systems. We are currently exploring new ways of supplying heating to the hall.

This includes looking at converting our current heating systems to ground source heat pumps, pellet biomass heating systems, solar energy and many other options.

Our research is ongoing. We will do what can for the environment wherever possible.

Are the many windows at the hall double glazed?

No. Due to the listed nature of our building, the college has the original sash windows.

Previous applications and discussions with the local planning office were rejected. In addition, the hall simply does not have the funds to replace all of its 365 windows.

However, when funds permit, this remains firmly on the agenda. As requirements for energy efficiency are becoming more of a requirement, then perhaps more owners of conservation properties like us may be granted permission to adapt their buildings to make them more energy efficient.

At some point in the future, will the hall have power points for electric cars?

We already have some students with electric cars. Naturally, we allow them to charge their cars at the college, but as most of our students arrive from overseas, there is not a big demand as yet.

In the last year of trading before the pandemic hit, there were only three instances of students using these power points. However, as the demand rises, we will of course adapt to be ahead of the curve and a demand for this facility.

To churches. The union has published “Caring for the Environment – a checklist for churches.” What are its main points?

This publication was issued a little over three years ago and provided a simple checklist for church committees to highlight a range of issues they needed to consider with a view to making their church more environmentally friendly for the future.

It demonstrated how by making some simple changes, the church and its community could make a difference which long-term would have wider benefits for the community and the environment. Examples of some of the questions for churches to address were:·      Are light fittings throughout fitted with energy saving bulbs?·      Is your boiler serviced annually?·      Is roof insulation fitted?     Are the toilet cisterns fitted with double flush systems?·      Have you considered investing in solar panels? 

Is one problem finance? For instance, many churches simply cannot afford double glazing or their buildings are not suitable for cavity wall insulation due to their age and construction.

We hope that our Year of the Environment will encourage churches to look at their buildings and see what can be done to make them more environmentally friendly.

As part of this year’s initiative, the union is providing grants to its churches up to the value of £2,000 per church on a matched funding basis provided the grant is used for environmentally friendly projects like double glazing, a new boiler or solar panels.

People often say, “But what can I do?” How can the average Spiritualist play a meaningful part in his or her daily life to help halt climate change?

With over seven billion people on this planet, if we all make a small change in our consumption and lifestyle this will have a large collective impact on the whole.

Individually, we can all make a difference either by changing our diet to reduce the consumption of meat products and work to conserve water. Taking a shower rather than having a bath can make a big difference and save water.

Then there’s looking at the way we travel and choosing public transport or walking short distances if we are able to.

All these small efforts will help to reduce the effects of climate change on our planet.

We have just launched a regular online gathering to explore social justice issues from a Spiritualist perspective. These are the types of areas that participants are exploring and acting on.

Without being overly political, would you agree that too many politicians and governments have fiddled around for years about reducing climate change when we need urgent and far-reaching action now and not in 20 or 30 years’ time?

Anyone who has taken the trouble to research this subject knows that time is running out and humanity needs to act now if we are to protect the planet for future generations.

It is encouraging to see that some of our political leaders are finally recognising the need to act.

I am sure the COP26 meeting in Glasgow in November will serve to press home this crucial message to every politician and citizen alike.

Spirit guides like Silver Birch often referred to nature and natural law. Would you agree that Spiritualists should be at the very forefront of helping to combat climate change?

Spiritualism has often led the way on major international issues whether that be the abolition of slavery or the right for women to vote. Bringing us up to date, we also strongly support LGBTQ+ rights

As a movement, we led the way to create equality through electing our first woman national President back in 1923 and ordaining women to the ministry from the 1930s.

This was years ahead of orthodox religions in the UK. Currently, women outnumber men within the ministry of the SNU.

There are some well-known words within Spiritualism – “All are but parts of one stupendous whole, whose body nature is, and God the soul.”

Through them, we are given a lens to look at the life within us and the life around us. We feel connected to God’s presence within us and recognise it in each other, in all life and in the world around us.

When these words are understood, to act responsibly and protectively towards nature becomes second nature.

Taking action to limit and reverse the harm done by humanity to the climate and the environment is important on many levels, but when our motivations and actions embody the power and presence of God, we are brought into a closer and deeper relationship with God, each other and our planet.

Relationship and responsibility make us co-creators with God – co-creators of a necessary future where our spirituality and environment are fundamentally intertwined.

It is perhaps because of this that our pioneers gifted us with those three inseparable words which are included in our logo – Light, Nature and Truth. 

In Memory of Dog Phoebe, Dog Sky, Cat Pearl, Cat Perkin, Human Gwen Byrne.

  “For as long as man continues to be the ruthless exploiter of other sentient beings, he will never know peace or joy. For as long as man massacres animals, men will kill each other.  Indeed, he who sows the seeds of torture and pain, will never know real love, peace, health or happiness.”

Pythagorus.

Hello all.  May the Great Spirit be with you.

As we have survived a unique, bitter-sweet year in our lives, let us start the page with remembrance of all who lost their lives to corona virus and just as importantly, those who lost lives, mental health, home and income to the “lockdowns.”

Out of that, which, for many, seemed difficult to bear, came good, or, at least, that is the way countless creatures of the wild would have seen it, as the skies and roads cleared and quietened to a great degree, owing to the scarcity of planes and land vehicles and the pollution they normally cause.

As is wont in these times, society was split down the middle, with those, on the one hand, who, in their small flats with no outside space, suffered loneliness, isolation and sometimes, suicidal despair and others, who, lucky enough to have a garden, found, in the new, non-rush environment, not only themselves but attunement to nature which led them to the Great Spirit.  They found God.

In my own experience, I felt my connection to all things wild becoming deeper and had a few synchronized moments along the way. One such instance was when I looked out of my bedroom window while trying to remember the difference between the types of sparrow I had just memorised from descriptions in a book given me by my son.

I thought deeply about Sparrow and it would appear that Sparrow had felt my intense scrutiny, for, making its way up the kitchen roof to the bedroom window, it then dipped and turned full circle within inches of my face, answering my question,

“Are you House, Hedge or Tree?”

“Grey cap.. best bib and tucker.  What do you think?” it seemed to infer, giving me a birds-eye view (oops) of its Spring attire.

“House!” I decided, full of admiration and appreciation of its visit.

At that, it was away on the wing to another potential connection, someone else’s thought.  My thoughts then started to free fall as feathers, coming to rest within my brow chakra, where all possibilities are perceived. Journeying beyond my imagination, I swam, in ecstacy, with Dolphin in its underworld and then, flew towards the higher realms where Sparrow, Dolphin and I merged in the light.  I came back from those places with more questions which, on another level, I had already learnt the answers to.

Why did Sparrow hear my thoughts and more importantly, why did it respond?  Was it because it just knew I loved it for itself, not for its beauty, or what it may do for our eco system…not for its sweet song, or its curious antics which gave me constant entertainment?  Did it know I recognised it as my brother, my sister, my friend, my equal, as I do every other creature on Earth and that I was not one of those humans who protect only the rare, native or near extinct? I think animals sense the sincerity within us. They know who we are and it is that which makes the connection and brings synchronicity.  When our thoughts are charged with love, what we think of appears.

In this edition, you will find a communication channelled from Spirit.  This is for one and all to accept or reject. It is most certain, in my view that, whether it came from a laboratory or from an animal market, mans’ abuse of animals is to blame.

It is within our power to bring an eventual end to wet markets, abattoirs and animal farming in general, and indeed we have made great strides in this, with veganism growing at a rate we only dreamt of a few decades ago. Stopping Animal experimentation is a little more difficult as it needs a change of law. Yet, there is more to do than campaign for a change in law.  Some cruel experiments are carried out on behalf of medical charities with the well known ones having a lot to answer for.  Removing your support for them by not purchasing goods in their shops or leaving them money in your will goes a long way towards depriving them of the funds needed to carry out these barbaric actions.

Clinical trials, or testing drugs, vaccines and treatments on humans can not be put in the same league as experiments on animals, in respect of the suffering involved. As published in “Outrage” magazine by national campaign group, Animal Aid, 3.3million animals per year are experimented upon in the UK alone. Over 4% of those are classed as “severe”.  To illustrate what this means to the animals involved, I would like to relate a story told to me by a friend:  Some years ago, while hospitalised, he managed to read the notes at the end of his bed which stated that he was in “moderate” pain. He was dumbfounded by this as he felt in agony.  Then the awful realisation sank into his awareness regarding the likely truth of what laboratory animals in the highest category of pain experience, in some cases with no anaesthetic.

One cannot help but feel that those who carry out these experiments are spiritually bereft. Here is a quote taken from The Nurses Movement for Responsible Medicine 2020 newsletter (www.nmrm} sent to me by Holly, co founder of the same and supporter of ARIS:

“The spiritual malady that rages in the soul of the vivisector is in itself sufficient to render him incapable of acquiring the highest and best knowledge. He finds it easier to propagate and multiply disease than to discover the secret of health. Seeking for the germs of life, he invents only new methods of death.”

Dr. Anna Kingsford – Britain’s first woman doctor, also, spiritualist and mystic.

Being aware of what animals suffer in laboratories brings us back, again, to our present situation, the debate around vaccination and animal experiments for medical research in general, so, here is some important information:

For corona virus vaccine research, monkeys and mice were used. Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca used rhesus macaque monkeys. This information was put out by Cruelty Free Europe.  info@crueltyfreeeurope.org.    

According to the National Anti-vivisection Society, a quarter of all primates used in European laboratories are used in the United Kingdom. This includes offspring who have been snatched from the wild. https://www.navs.org.uk/take_action/39/0/4806/

According to Animal Aid, British Heart Foundation part funded experiments involving surgical mutilation of sheep in late pregnancy which was followed by repeated suffocation. https://www.animalaid.org.uk/the-issues/our-campaigns/animal-experiments/victims-charity-campaign/full-analysis-experiment-sheep

Animal Justice Project states that Action on Hearing Loss charity were involved with experiments which saw guinea pigs having electrodes planted into their brains, inflicted with tinnitus and  subjected to loud noise while awake.  They were not anaesthetised.                Animaljusticeproject.com

I leave readers with the wise words of a much revered spirit guide on the subject:

“How can that which is cruel be right?  How can that which causes pain, inflicts torture, be right?  It is contrary to all that we teach.  It is wrong to experiment on those who are not capable of resisting. Your world cannot produce remedies for the diseases which it has created by living contrary to the laws of The Great Spirit. There will be found remedies for all your diseases, but they will not be found by experiments on animals. “

Silver Birch

Around the Contacts.

The newsletter encourages reports from supporters.  It builds our network and keeps us from feeling isolated from like minds.  Please keep sending them in. This first is from Lorraine in Devon:

Two and a half years ago, my dear friend, Sue, from Surrey, had come to stay with me for a little holiday in glorious North Devon.  We were travelling along the valley road and there he was, an injured pheasant, He was still alive but had been hit by a vehicle whose driver had then just ignored him and left the scene.  I picked him up and gave him to Sue to hold while we went to the wonderful veterinary surgery which never charges for wild life and always thanks you for bringing them in. 

The nurse didn’t think the pheasant would make it but when I rang the next morning I was relieved that he had not only survived but eaten and had a drink.  He was my dear, dear boy whom I had fallen in love with, instantly. Home he came with me and he lived upstairs in the barn where he could see and hear everything that was going on but where he would also be safe.  Sue named him “King” as in “King of the Road”.

King, whose colours were so stunning and who was totally adored, soon came to trust me and gradually rebuilt his strength. However, he was never going to be a hundred per cent and I knew that he would have to remain with me.  His tail never grew and he was blind in one eye.  I was also concerned that his other eye wasn’t so good.

One night, we caught him up and moved him outside to a large “freedom area”.  Here, he lived, with Reuben, the rabbit, for two and a half years.  Other pheasants would come to visit him, which he loved but King never asked for his total freedom.  He knew he was safe there and he was content.

One cold day, I noticed that he had developed a cough, so, off to my vet we went – again, a vet that was so caring and understanding.  King was put on medication but, alas, it didn’t work and he grew weaker.  Soon, I knew it was his time to go to Heaven and that I had to do the kindest thing for him.  I held him and told him how much he was loved, through my tears.  As he left me, I knew that I would see and hold my darling King once again.

Thank you, sweetheart, for sharing that short time with me.  God bless.  You are so precious. Mummy. Xxxx

    

Joseph, a supporter from Scotland, always manages to send me some light relief from the heart rending accounts of animal cruelty we hear about so often. He recently sent me a cutting from the Daily Mail, April 6^th 2020 which bore a photo taken by a hairdresser.  We were all in lockdown at the time and cases of animals, from hedgehogs to goats, roaming our deserted streets had been reported.  On this occasion, several sheep were observed hopping on to a playground roundabout then “running on the spot as it span”.  Apparently, this was not a one-off.

Joseph is very sensitive to spirit energies, especially those belonging to his beloved animals.  He told me of an incident involving his dog, Minnie and his sister, Elizabeth, who had recently passed to the world of Spirit.

When Minnie was on the Earth, she went regular walks with Joseph upon which she performed a curious service to him – that of finding him twenty pence pieces.  In the time following her passing, Joseph went on his usual walks where he kept finding coins and they were always the above currency.  However, the penny didn’t drop (excuse the pun) until he took one home from his visit to the pub.  He had settled down and casually taken it from his pocket and put it on the table where he sat.  It seemed to transfix him.  Then he wondered how he could not have recognised what was happening before. Of course! It had been Minnie who had drawn his attention to the coins in order to show she hadn’t left him.  No sooner he realised that, than he sensed her presence, strongly, beside him….  and there was more…he felt compelled to turn over the twenty pence piece and there on the other side was the face of Queen Elizabeth 2^nd.  Not evidence of his sister’s return in itself but as anyone who has received a message from Spirit knows, there is a profound awareness in the senses of who is communicating.  So, there it was.  Two visits in one but who brought who?  I think we can guess.

 Janet in Portsmouth

Just before my cat, Daisy, passed over, in 2016, a black (with some white) “tom” had been visiting my garden.  He had a damaged left ear from all the fighting he did and always showed signs of injury there.  This is how I came to name him Bobby Bruiser.

After Daisy’s death to this world, Bobby came more often but was always aloof and wouldn’t let me touch him.  Even so, over time, he entered firstly, the kitchen, then the back room and finally, made himself at home in the armchair.  He still went off on his travels and often it would be quite some time before I saw him again.  I never knew when he would turn up but when he did, he was never affectionate, never allowing me to stroke or cuddle him.  This went on for four or five years until, in  February 2020, he arrived so badly damaged on the side of his head where the bad ear was that I felt, this time, I could not  leave things to heal on their own.  Bobby was in such a dreadful state, I knew I needed to get urgent help but, how, when I couldn’t handle him?  Then I remembered that I still had the phone number of a lady who used to run a local cat rescue, many years ago. Could it still be functioning?  I rang the number and it was the same lady who answered.  I felt like someone was looking after me, or rather, Bobby and what’s more, I felt the presence.

I explained the situation as quickly and clearly as I could, for I really feared for the poor cat’s life.  I told her that I couldn’t get near him to bring him in.  She assured me that all would be well because an old volunteer who had rescued many cats for her in years gone by had dropped round, “out of the blue”, to see her and she added that if anybody could get him in a cage, he could. I couldn’t believe my luck, although, by now, I was certain this was not down to good fortune but the work of “Spirit”.

The gentleman came into my back room where Bobby was laid, in the chair.  I couldn’t believe it – in spite of his injuries, the poorly tom-cat moved round the room trying to get away.  I left the volunteer alone with him, having been told that it could take a while to achieve success, as he wasn’t going to pressure Billy and make him more stressed.  Forty five minutes later, may be due to patience and calming, assuring words, Billy was coaxed into the carrier and on his way to the vets.  I really don’t know how the man managed it but he was an angel sent, as far as I was concerned.

I was in tears when I heard that Bobby’s injuries were so bad that he would have to be treated in hospital.  Because of his constant injuries to his ear, an abscess had developed in his head.  The poor boy spent 16 nights at the vets. Even though elderly, he was neutered at the same time in order to prevent him fighting and undoing all that had been done. However, I never expected what was to come.

When he was well enough, he was brought back to my place but it wasn’t long before he decided he wanted to get out.  After that, Bobby did come to visit on occasion, as he used to do and I was just relieved that he appeared not to be looking for trouble. However, before a month was up, he accepted my home as his and he stayed. Yet, that was by no means all.  The most remarkable change had taken place in him. He was the most wonderful companion, showing me a large amount of affection.  I could never have imagined his old self never wandering, for he used to stay away for a month sometimes.  Now, he never strayed from his home and garden.  We were inseparable.

Bobby is here with me now, as I tell this tale to you, having kisses and cuddles, just as if it had never been any other way

I do believe Bobby – the bruiser no more – chose me and found me.  I wonder if Daisy had anything to do with it….

Susan from Liverpool is another of our long time supporters who has had quite a lot of communications with animals and humans, both in this world and from the world beyond. The latest occasion was when her sixteen year old cat, Lula, who had passed to the Spirit World, visited her in the night and caught her attention by purring in her throat.

Not long after her passing, Lula came through to Susan during a circle held by a couple of spiritualist friends. Susan felt that Dennis, a spirit who had shared her flat with her for many years, was looking after her cat but said nothing to her friends.  Lula confirmed through the mediums that Dennis was caring for her, in spite of the fact that he was not really a “cat person”. However, the only thing Lula wanted to do was to return and take care of Susan. The beloved cat then brought an evidential memory of a fire in the house next door after an explosion.  Everyone had come out on to the street and it was thought that the roof would cave in. Lula then communicated that she had been scared at first and thanked Susan for protecting her.  Susan knew exactly what she was referring to, as she recalled the moment when, thinking fire might spread to her building, she ran back upstairs to her flat on the second floor, grabbed Lula and took her to safety, outside.

Another visit, this time from her mother’s sixteen year old dog, Teddy, took Susan by surprise, one night, when she was wakened, suddenly, from sleep. She felt compelled to turn to the left of her bed, where she saw the outline of Teddy’s face and his shiny nose. Leaning out to stroke him she said his name but he disappeared.

Teddy had been very close to Susan because she had, in the beginning, rescued him.  She had come across a man leading a dog by a plastic bag.  It was very cold and Teddy was wet through. The man told her that “A lad had been trying to drown him”.  He then handed him over to Susan, who took him home.  As her mother had just lost her own dog, it was decided he should live with her.  Susan, then, found out where the young man lived, resulting in him being paid a visit by the R.S.P.C.A.

For those who have read this ARIS supporter’s reports in previous newsletters, it will come as no surprise that she works hard to campaign against the cruel “Burning of the Bulls” fiestas in Spain, whereby villagers put balls of tar on the bull’s horns and then set them on fire, sending the poor creatures running wildly through the streets, in pain, bashing their heads against walls to try and put out the flames.  Susan has sent out her love, healing and spells of protection so many times to these unfortunate creatures that it would not be mysterious for one of these bulls to pay her a visit from the world of Spirit. However, this next of her tales is not about a bull, but a matador who had been killed by a bull. His name was Barrio and the case had made news:

O n the same night she was to have the pleasure of Teddy’s visit, Susan was awakened by a voice, again, in her throat, crying “I was wrong!”  She had a mental image of Barrio at the bottom of a long black hole, with his head in his hands, in despair.  His chest and back appeared to be naked.

They say we are the sum of our thoughts and emotions when we pass to “Spirit”.  If Barrio is truly sorry for his abuse, he will be helped out of his despair into the “ light.”  Let’s hope he uses his remorse to go on to influence matadors on Earth to wake up from their conditioning and help get bullfighting and the barbaric fiestas consigned to the history books.

Through her unusual ability, Susan has, also, helped what she senses are spirit orbs to move on into the light.  She feels them like an air bubble in her throat. To date, she has liberated more than two hundred of them.

I found this poem hidden away along with my “useful notes”.  Apparently, it was written after hearing a conversation in a Bolton butchers shop about the sights seen in the London Blitz.  It shows how blind humans are to the connection and similarity of war and animal slaughter.

“When the blitz was on…A leg hung from a tree:

A body with the top half gone and nowt below the knee

A hand with a wedding ring and all; two feet in socks and boots

A baby’s head stuck to a shawl. An arm torn by the roots

While, here and there was flesh, in lumps they shovelled into sacks

It proper left us in the dumps…sent shivers down our backs.”

“It’s slaughter, Sir. I’ve seen a bit of what those swines can do.”

His chopper fell and fiercely split a sheep’s head clean in two.

“It’s downright murder to attack defenceless folk who can’t fight back.”

… and swinging dumbly, on a hook, a dead pig gave him such a look.

P.R.Brent.

Healing List

Robert & Joyce Shiner, Mandel Rheems, Therese McElwee, Richard Marshall, Bobby Williams, Sharon Jones, Carole,  Chris, Tony Ortzen, Leisha & Philip Yates, Janet Williams, Shadow, Joan Birch, Roger Raynes,Vivienne Brocklehurst, Sian, Don Gwillim, Annie, Richard Marshall, Simone Philips, Elaine & David Hall, Mary Ashton, Pippin, Rita Benson, Gerard Schmidt, Jeannette Bardell, Colleen, June Bullas, Neil, Sue, Mike Blissett, Catherine Talbot, Hope & Doris, Bear, Phoebe and all in need.

Please take special note of the date this next channelled message was given from Spirit.  The medium only recently realised its relevance to these times and alerted me to the fact that he had sent me a copy years ago with a view to my publishing some in the newsletter..  I rooted through the many pieces of writing he had sent me.  I had not used this particular one and was amazed at what I read.  I now present it to you: 

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

by The Cosmic Brotherhood

Channelled through the mediumship of Richard Marshall.  16.09.09

 Many perceive this to be a place of material substance, similar to the imagination of God as a being of physical stature.  Well, it is our purpose to dispel these myths.  So, what exactly is the Kingdom of Heaven and where is it to be found?

 Heaven is truly a state of mind.  There are many interpretations of Heaven, so, where to begin?  The world of Spirit is not Heaven.  It only appears to be thus, in perception.  Let us explain further.  Whilst it is true that there are, indeed, many mansions in the house of God they cannot all be quoted in terms of Heaven as a form of paradise.  Even in the most blissful of states in the world of Spirit, many of us will not find ourselves embraced with Heaven in its truest form.  Our dear friend, Jesus, was one of so few, in number, who have actually experienced this state of being.  You see, Heaven does not fully describe, nor does it capture the emotion experienced by the soul in question.  Many lifetimes are needed in order to find oneself in this state.

 Now, we shall tell you our version of Heaven.  Many of us residing in the world of Spirit at this moment still have a long way to go before experiencing this state for ourselves.  Yet, there are those souls who could but choose to sacrifice their rightful place in order to help those less fortunate in your world.  So, what is this rightful place of which we speak?  Well, it is, of course, to blend our souls and to entwine ourselves within the loving embrace of the soul of God, the creator of all that is.  If only all who dwell upon the Earth at this moment in time strived towards this union with their creator, then, all souls would, eventually, return home from whence they came.  But, alas, Mans’ arrogance towards Mother Nature and the abuse of, as well as the continued suffering of those without a voice shall see to it that Man shall reap his rewards for the sowing of his misdeeds.

 Mankind is about to be visited by what you would call a virus, more prevalent than the plague experienced by others in a previous age.  We tell you this to prepare you for what is to come.  In laboratories, throughout various locations in your world, substances are being forced upon those who have no voice and as a result of this intolerable cruelty inflicted upon God’s creatures, Man shall pay a heavy price.  These horrendous acts of barbaric cruelty shall not go unpunished and shall result in the release of substances from the laboratory into the public domain – not an act of vengeance by a loving god, just the repercussions reaped as Man, in his ignorance, turns his back on his creator, as well as universal law.  This states, categorically, “Love one another.  Treat all souls as you would wish to be treated yourselves.  Take care of the weak, especially those who cannot stand up for themselves.  Take care of your Earth mother so that future generations will not have to pick up the pieces of previous errors.  Do not exploit the Earth spirit or any of her creatures for personal gain or otherwise.” 

Now, Man must await, with baited breath, his destiny.

To bring us some cheer and assurance that it is always within our power to change things for the better, here are some uplifting and strengthening quotes:

“I am never in control of what happens around me but I am always in control of what happens within me.”

Pranita Deshpende

“There is nothing, either good or bad but thinking makes it so.”

William Shakespeare.

“You always pass failure on the way to success.”

Mickey Rooney.

“….everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it and every person a mission.  This is the Indian theory of existence.”

Christal Quintasket.

“I always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be”

Neil Baldwin.

“There’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it.”

My Grandma.

Sanctuaries.

In this newsletter, there are three rescue centres or sanctuaries to be highlighted, one of which our loyal supporter, Therese, has involvement with . 

Living in Spain for a few years now, Therese has not only filled her home, literally, with rescued cats, dogs and birds but works hard to support the shelter Benidorm Dog Rescue run by two animal welfare groups : Manos  Y Patos  and   Protectora de Animales,  both in Benidorm.  Therese told me that “these girls are marvellous. They have to fight the bureaucracy at the local council run animal shelter in order to get adequate supplies and veterinary help.  This is where they volunteer, so they have to be careful or can be stopped going! They will help any creature.  They take sick dogs or cats out of the shelter and foster.”

One may adopt an animal by emailing adoptaperrosadultos@protectora_de_benidorm    or find out more at info@protectorabenidorm.org   However, Therese told me the bank details were: Account name: Asociacion Manos y Patas   Account number ES6620384837796000149188      

This second sanctuary I wish to highlight is namedHark and was run by the late Myra Manns who was both an ARIS supporter and member of the Essene Brotherhood. As readers may remember, Myra passed to “Spirit” in 2016. The shelter and residents were then taken over by a trust set up to ensure her valuable work continued. This has been overseen by Valerie, Reverend Mother of thebrotherhood  and member of a group of Essenes entitled “The Light of the Animal Kingdom” which focuses on bringing awareness of the plight and spirituality of animals, while helping them in practical ways – hence the work with Hark. Valerie had this to say, in April, 2021, as regards her own experience and the future work of the sanctuary:

  “We will be taking in any homeless animal that needs our help, domestic or wild.  I have been involved with a wildlife rescue centre for the past 10 years and have an affinity there. We have carried on Myra’s work with trapping, neutering and releasing feral cats, as we believe, as she did, that it is the most fundamental action to try and keep the number of distressed and homeless animals down and will keep doing so. We have also financially supported a couple of local rescues in order to help with neutering while the premises at Hark are being refurbished. We are, now, going to start taking in animals.  It will be a low profile, quiet start as we only have a limited pen capacity while we continue to fix and rebuild the rest of the pens. There is still so much to do but we look very much forward to opening again for rescue.”    

Valerie told me that Myra and partner, Owen took great ecological care of the place for fifty years, seeing it teeming with wildlife, both plants and animals. Therefore, Valerie’s group is looking for animal lover volunteers to help share the work of looking after the animals or keeping these grounds maintained.  Unless living locally, this would involve a spell of stay at the sanctuary which is in Warwickshire. A working holiday break may come to mind.  Of course, should being of practical assistance be out of the question, the rescue shelter needs and would greatly appreciate financial donations. If you would like to help, please email Valerie at valeriemacfarlane@hotmail.com     giving your name and identifying yourself as an ARIS supporter.

Lastly, I would draw attention to a new sanctuary in the midlands, run by a vegan animal rights community named “Surge” with well known animal activist and speaker, now Surge’s co/founder/director, Ed Winters or “Earthling Ed”.  A non profit, vegan restaurant named Unity Diner was set up in 2018 to help raise funds to buy the 18 acre site upon which the sanctuary stands.

“…Our mission is to offer a life-long, no kill, safe haven and forever home to abused and unwanted animals”

This sanctuary takes in all animals including pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep and cows, some rescued from slaughter just in time.  One may view some of these souls of lovely character on the Surge sanctuary website surgesanctuary.org where facilities to donate, adopt and buy from a wish list can be found.

Surge, is not a rescue centre alone, for it promotes veganism, carries out farm and slaughter investigations and educates the public through videos, articles, outreach and activism. To find out more about this side of its work go to http://www.surgeactivism.org

Things to do.

Rabbits need Help

Recently, I attended a protest demonstration at a rabbit meat and fur farm in Atlow, Derbyshire, opposing  planning permission to build an extension for a slaughterhouse.  T&S Nurseries owns the farm and has put in planning applications for two more farms in Amersham and Rutland.  Cornwall refused planning permission for one by the same company there.

According to campaign group, Animal Aid, who have investigated the so called free range farm, “The hutches containing these inquisitive and gentle animals appeared far too small for them even to be able to sit upright….the site is anticipated to rear upwards of 10000 rabbits a year.” They went on to say that babies are weaned and then removed and apparently killed at just 16 weeks old.”  www.anmalaid.org.uk

Please keep watch for this firm expanding to your area and join the protest as well as writing/emailing the council.  Thank you.

 

Spiritualist Churches/Centres.

Michael Glowacky

Does anyone attend a church or centre which promotes the ethical vegan message?

I know, only, of ARIS supporters, Chris, in Stoke on Trent and Elaine, in Sheffield who have some position within their churches  to stress the importance of including all creatures within our compassionate embrace. “Psychic News” editorial, also, often brings awareness of the subject.

Is anyone thinking of starting up an ethical vegan spiritualist church?  We would love to hear from you.  Please email elissarattigan@hotmail.com or, if no computer, phone 01246 906577 and leave a message if not answered

Absent Healing .

Those of you who look at the A.R.I.S website occasionally will have noticed healer and animal communicator, Kate Berridge’s requests to join in the sending of healing to the animals under her care.  Some of the cases highlighted were urgent and involved traumatised animals rescued from places of neglect and cruelty.  It is wonderful to know their welfare is protected under Kate’s angel wing.  I will continue to update requests and I thank those readers who are taking part. Perkin the cat who was our first case, passed to peace in Spirit while dogs, Hope and Doris and Bear the cat are progressing, Thank you.

Kate E A Berridge

Creator of Earthall® meditation and healing system. Traditional Celtic Healer and teacher in 1-2-1, groups and retreats. 

Thought Leader, guest speaker and published writer. Animal Communicator, Companion Animal Psychologist. 

Founder of the Holistic Animal Therapy Training School. 

For more information visit:WEB: www.celticspiritualhealing.com     FB: www.facebook.com/celticspiritualhealing 

And for animals: WEB: www.holisticanimaltherapy.org.uk  FB: www.facebook.com/holisticanimaltherapy.lincs

Tel: 07519 744208

Until next time, folks, keep inspired. 

On behalf of all creatures, thank you for all you do.

Elissa. xx

Here is another request from Kate Berridge:

Dear Animal Healers and Communicators,
Please send out to these 2 dogs~ Hope and Doris.

• 

HOPE ~ 7 years old ~ the Yorkie ~ Has been recently rescued from a frightening and neglectful home, where for 3 years, she was trodden on, kicked, ignored, sat on, shouted at and not taken to the vets, despite her ill health. She was bullied by her companion dog, vying for rare attention. She has a loving friend now…a young woman who used to live in the house and came back to rescue Hope. Hope has had trouble eating as she was attacked by the other dog when eating. She is starting to recover now. She loves her new diet. She has some nerve damage in her weak back legs and can’t walk far. All these concerns are being actively worked on by her human friend, Lyn and myself, so we are just asking for you to send healing and love and put her on your regular healing list. You can also send healing to her human friend, a brave young vegan, who is also vulnerable.Bless You and Thank you
DORIS ~ the French bulldog ~ Was rescued from a dirty shed at a puppy farm. She had her first puppies at 8 months old and has had 4 litters. She is 4. She is very nervous and un-house-trained and at present is in a new home, found by Lyn. She’s been there a week. She had a previous new home but did not fit in there. I have visited her, given healing and given advice to the new human guardian. The older lady she is with now is struggling a bit with Doris as she just wanted to foster her but all potential homes have fallen through. Please send healing to Doris and her Guardian, who has bravely fostered no hope animals for years and will need a lot of help to look after Doris. Doris loves her new friend and will unfold in time.We are supporting them both but your love and healing will help very much. Bless You and Thank you —

All Love Surround you,May we bring in a new beginning of Love for all beings
Blessed Be Love Kate

Dear Animal Healers,
Please send out to Bear, a 7 year old male cat who has had an operation on a toe on his left foot and is struggling. 
Cancer cells were found but most probably have been removed. 
The vets have been unsatisfactory and his human companion is having a hard time in lockdown and her mother died recently so the situation is awful as the cats’ mother was killed in front of them when they were 3 weeks old. So it’s bringing it up stuff for the cats.
She loves her 2 cats and is a good kind woman but a bit passive. Bear’s sister Lilly is also there.They live in Northumberland so I am unable to visit for hands-on healing and it will take a lot to get this cat through his emotional and physical crisis.
Please send out as soon as you read this message.
THANK YOU from Kate and Guides.–

Kate E A Berridge

Creator of Earthall® meditation and healing system.Traditional Celtic Healer and teacher in 1-2-1, groups and retreats. 

Thought Leader, guest speaker and published writer. 

Animal Communicator, Companion Animal Psychologist. 

Founder of the Holistic Animal Therapy Training School. 

For more information visit:

WEB: www.celticspiritualhealing.com     

FB: www.facebook.com/celticspiritualhealing 

And for animals:

WEB: www.holisticanimaltherapy.org.uk  FB: www.facebook.com/holisticanimaltherapy.lincs

Kate Berridge <kate.e.a.berridge@gmail.com

If you can, please send out healing today to Perkin, a 15 year old cat who is struggling to recover from a nasty chest infection, possibly pneumonia. 
When giving healing, I was told he had been sprayed with pesticides last Autumn and the human carer confirms that fact.He also has discomfort in his bowels as he hasn’t eaten for a week and had a hernia last year that is still aching…on his left side.
He has seen a vet.
He managed to get up and have a wee and a drink after his healing yesterday.He is craving Sun-shine, so his lady will take him outside today for a short blast as it is warm here. He is feeling overwhelmed by the negative thought forms coming from people as well. All the animals I have  visited since lock-down are experiencing similar discomfort.
I am seeing him again today at 10.30.am and hope to get him eating liquid food today.
If you are on the course, you may take Perkin as a distant healing case if you wish.
Please send gentle, loving Perkin love and healing as often as you can, as he does want to recover. He is much loved and has a lovely home.
His human sends her Thanks to you all.(This may be a doorway for her into a deeper compassion for wild and farm animals).
All Love Surround you and all you do for animals and the Earth.

Blessed Be

Love from Kate and Guides

Prayer

by Kate Berridge

Mother/Father, Great Spirit, we ask for healing for our sacred Earth and all the beings who live upon her. We direct our loving thoughts to all the animals who walk, run, swim, crawl and fly upon the Earth and to all the people in every country who work for love.

We send our love out as a wave of hope for a new beginning for all beings on the Earth. May we open our minds, hearts and souls to realise that we are a small part of the web of life and do not own the Earth or any of her children. We ask for peace and an end to all cruelty.

This is our prayer.

wisdoms@KateEABerridge

http://www.facebook/celticspiritualhealing

Blessings to all supporters, everywhere.

Many of us will have connected deeply with our inner selves, the Great Spirit and Nature more acutely over the “lockdown” restrictions of 2020 and beyond, helping us to come face to face with who we really are. For some of us, this will mean a profound awakening to what is a new direction for our lives. For others, there will have been a loosening or strengthening of old bonds, albeit, perhaps, not in the flesh . Having time on our hands, we may have sought out those of yesteryear only to find that the past is sometimes best left where it is, allowing us to remember old pals with fondness, just as they were and enabling their joyful recollections of their time with us to remain unsullied in memory.

The truth is that we can learn from the past but not always truly pick up from where we left off. If we evolve along our pathways but old comrades don’t share a similar journey, we may find, upon reunion, that either one of us is not the person we once knew. This is especially true as regards our beliefs and how we express our compassion.

Along my own pathway as animal rights campaigner/ activist and member of the broader spiritual community, I have become increasingly aware of the gap looming between the two sections of society . I share much the same beliefs with the latter, within my heart, thanks to the benefit of acquired knowledge of spiritual energy and truth, as given by those who return from spiritual realms, or from the Great Spirit within me. Yet, the one thing which is missing from guidance of many spiritual speakers and writers, here, on Earth, is that which is the most important ingredient of all, upon which all else is based : merciful compassion or.. love….at least, when extending it to the animal kingdom.

How often do we hear that it is all right to condone the murdering, then eating of animals as long as they are given a good life with high welfare standards? The said life is, of course, before they are betrayed by those in whom they put their trust- those who send them to the most terrifying and painful slaughter. Yes, I am afraid there is no such thing as humane slaughter, and it wouldn’t be right, even if there were. Moreover, the Happy, Red Tractor, or organic farms aren’t, always, at all as described. Some of them, having been the subject of undercover investigation, were found to be hotbeds of immense cruelty. I would urge each to seek the evidence for oneself by watching the films listed at the bottom of the article. They are potentially traumatising to watch . However, if not watching means we lack the necessary motivation to stop consuming our fellow creatures who, by the way, do not subscribe to becoming the satanic sacrifice on our plates, then, we are the cause of their deaths , for, without our custom, there would be no animal produce to buy , therefore, no slaughterhouses, no animal farms.

Now, I hear it said that without the consumption of animals, there would be be no farm animals to grace our planet. Would one, therefore, desire that these creatures live in suffering , just to appear in the fields for our children to look at? The truth is, if livestock farming ceased, the animals already here would live out their lives in sanctuaries and beyond that, we would return to admiring their wild cousins, as was once the case.

As I touched upon earlier, it is often stated by speakers that farm animals willingly sacrifice themselves to be our food. This message is partly responsible for the apathy in the spiritual movement towards addressing conscience, in this matter, as it appeases any guilt regarding the non-vegan lifestyle. Another argument is that all creatures are part of a food chain therefore it is natural for humans to be at the top of it. I cannot believe that a God of love would have made a divine plan based on terror and suffering. Something went wrong with the original plan and it all points to man. We have to be part of an evolution which builds a better system for, though we can’t change the law of the jungle, as it is, we, as humans, hold it within our hands to save our planet, our health and billions of creatures caught up in a holocaust, just by changing to a vegan diet. No one will judge the person who temporarily fails, possibly, again and again, in this endeavour but there is no excuse, these days, for claiming lack of resources or support which may be found online and from vegan outreach stalls. The supermarket shelves are filled with vegan products to buy. Changing to a cruelty-free diet has never been easier.

It is New Year, 2021, whose number, in ancient numerology, breaks down to number five, meaning Change and Challenge. It is the month of January, as I write, re-named by those who truly work for the Great Spirit, as Veganuary. Throughout this month and any month following, let us reach out and grasp our chance to serve . As speakers, we should be the voice of the voiceless and bring change for the better, not emissaries of a dark force which, more and more, challenges our effort to grow love.

Good will win out in the end. Let us make sure we are part of that process and not the problem it solves.

Land of Hope and Glory – YouTube

Earthlings- earthlings.com

Cowspiracy – Netflix

http://www.hillside.org.uk for information on R.S.P.C.A approved farm investigations.

On June 21st, 2020 at 7.40 am there will be a solar eclipse.

Please pray and meditate for our Earth and all creatures, especially those abused, at the above time or when you can throughout the day.  Thank you.

Love and blessings.

Hello Everyone.

Please join with me at around 11 A.M. each morning and use your spirituality to ask for The Great Spirit’s power of transformation to spread its absorbing light around corona virus.

Thank you,

All warm wishes.