Open Circle

What to expect

A circle is symbolic of a never-ending cycle: there is no beginning and no end. When people sit in a circle, the energies support those taking part. The energies also support the spirit world, creating a natural bond between the physical and spiritual realms.

At Birkenhead Spiritualist Church®, our Open Circle welcomes church members and visitors. There is usually an entrance charge, payable on the evening. If you are attending a circle for the first time, it is important that you feel comfortable and do not feel threatened in any way. The circle has a leader who is experienced, knowledgeable and capable of running it.

Each church has its own rules governing circle procedures. If you are keen to improve your mediumship or are a novice medium, you must ask the circle leader for permission to work within the circle. Do not assume that a church allows visiting mediums to turn up and practise within its circle. Some churches welcome people who wish to practise their skills; at Birkenhead Spiritualist Church®, only our in-house mediums work within the circle. It is important that this practice is respected.

The term ‘in-house’ means that the mediums belong to the church. They are Full members, have been fully vetted and understand the procedures of mediumship. They are trained to a high standard.

It is natural to feel nervous about visiting an open circle, but it should be a positive experience. Before the circle begins, housekeeping information and fire procedures are read out. Spiritualism is a religion, and it is customary to offer a prayer to show respect to God and the spirit world.

The mediums are introduced so that everyone knows who is working within the circle. A medium will approach you and ask your permission before giving any information from the spirit world. Mediums must be respectful and courteous. If a medium is rude, uses degrading language or makes inappropriate remarks, report this immediately to the circle leader. A medium is there to give comfort and uphold the sacred office of mediumship, not to degrade or humiliate.

In recent months, the church has reactivated the Closed Circle. As the name suggests, this circle is closed to visitors. It is customary for most churches to hold a closed circle. Only Full members may sit in this type of circle. They are experienced Spiritualists who are comfortable sitting with like-minded individuals.

An open circle attracts people from different backgrounds, and not everyone shares the same understanding of or empathy towards Spiritualism. The energies are therefore very different from those experienced by Spiritualists sitting in a closed circle.

Finally, there is the Circle of Light. This is usually held in December, shortly before our church closes for the festive break.

This circle follows the same format as an open circle. The difference is that the room is lit with candles and the church is decorated. It is a time to give thanks for the past year and look forward to a prosperous and bright new year. Each church has its own way of celebrating the Circle of Light, and it is a wonderful way to bring people together. Mediums work within the circle to bring hope and comfort to those who need it.

During the circle, the names of loved ones and friends who have gone to the spirit world are called out. This includes family pets. We remember them with love and respect. The Circle of Light is a special circle that many people enjoy.

To summarise, an open circle welcomes members and visitors and follows a set of rules for everyone’s comfort and safety. Our trusted in-house mediums have completed the procedures required to work within the circle. A closed circle is for Full members of the church who are experienced Spiritualists.