Ancestral Graves

Spiritualism is part of my being, like air and laughter. I suspect, however, its practice and perfection is only found in the context of worship. Indeed, without the necessary checks and balances offered by a "church" family, the work of ever a gifted Medium or resourceful Healer falls into mere entertainment or prurient paranoia. In a sense, it becomes one more medicinal ideology listed on the sterile agenda of a dull, depressing finitude. Once conceded of contemporary Spiritualism, it becomes clear that this was also the experience of early Christians; a curious fact almost mentioned in passing by the author Robert Graves.
Anyone reading the historical reconstructions of our Spiritualist ancestors in his novel King Jesus, must be immediately struck by their immense contribution to the Faith. From its very inception, it seems the "Jesus Movement" included seers and sensitives as prominent community members. This is hardly surprising when we recall Christians in the First Century A.D. witnessed unprecedented spiritual gifts. The dead rose, tongues were spoken and thousands converts to the higher Law of Love by a single sermon. In which case, the Apostle Paul was certainly speaking to women as well as men when explaining the ontological differences between a natural body (Soma Pseukikon) and the spiritual body (Soma Pneumatikon) as a way to keep consciousness above material issues. As Pagan commentators often pointed out, previous perceptions of "God's People" straining to survive under cruel and tyrannous political regimes were suddenly challenged. This was accompanied by an uprush of hope as converts were reborn with a moral determination to weather the humanitarian storms raging around them. Moreover, the enlightened awareness Christians discovered became a luminous shield, allowing them to live compassionate lives in violent and oppressive times.
Individual "Jesus people" further caught public attention by courageously grasping the key they had been given to the mysteries of the Pleroma. After all, they knew their community extended beyond the limits of this world into the Starry Heavens. This was one of the reasons why Christians openly experimented with radical social notions and alternative life-styles. Inherited religious customs as well as personal honour (based on power, wealth and position) were loudly criticised, as the blind recovered their sight and the lame walked again. In addition, perceived differences between ethnic groups faded, as people were encouraged to free themselves from archaic cultural restraints. Authority was therefore shared by all, as each encouraged the other to act prayerfully in what became diverse Spiritualist families pursuing God's Kingdom.
To participate in an act of worship in either ancient or modern times is to approach the realities of the Monad. This is the case in any epoch or dispensation, irrespective of age, race or gender. The origins of Christian Spiritualist worship, however, remains particularly fascinating due to deliberately suppressed origins and forgotten facts. This is why the poetic insight and historical methodology of an author such as Robert Graves continue to disturb readers. In many ways he may be an unlikely inspiration, but the evidential bones he unearthed speak volumes.