Of primary importance in working effectively as a channel for those in Spirit is a clear understanding that a cooperative effort is involved. As a channel for a spirit communicator, you are expanding and/or extending your consciousness to the mental impressions and influences of another. Your mind becomes involved in the process of mediumship, to a greater or lesser degree, depending upon circumstances and conditions. You are working with the spirit friends. You, as well as they, have a role; both have to consider and respect each other in these respective roles.

We discussed the importance of setting goals in mediumship. Furthermore, we asked you to consider why you wish to develop mediumship, what type of mediumship you wish to develop, and how much a part of your life you would like mediumship to become. We stated, further, that goal-setting helps set things in place. It is, now, time to consider other issues.

There is a guide involved in your work. He or she, too, has hopes and aspirations. In considering the pathway of your development, you must, therefore, consider the wishes of your guide. The guide will attempt to work with you in any way he or she can; but, if the relationship is to be one of genuine cooperation, then each must consider the aspirations of the other.

Another point to remember is this: your guide is intimately interested in your mediumistic unfoldment. Although circle meetings offer the opportunity to practice your inner sensitivity, the period between meetings is just as important. If you know or are aware of your guide, do not hesitate to consult with him or her during these periods. If you have a problem with your mediumship, seek the guidance of the circle leader and, by all means, take a few moments each day to sit in quiet meditation and ask for spirit's assistance. During circle meetings, you will receive comments, suggestions, and criticisms from the leader; between these meetings, you should consult your guide for his or her comments.

Let your guides assist you in the development of your mediumship. Engage in open conversations with them. Be free and natural. Many developing mediums fall into the habit of feeling that their guides know everything that is going on with them. Our guides have other things to do besides guide us. Therefore, we must, from time to time, verbalize in our minds what is happening with us and share these thoughts and feelings with them. We must never assume that the guides automatically know everything about us and about what we are going through.