0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
When the Extraordinary Hits Home
the class about a personal matter, he may discreetly give clairvoyant
feedback (e.g., “Robert, what you asked me about is going to work
out, I got that very clearly, but it will probably take a little while.”).
Finally, at about 9 : 30 p.m. Michel announces that it is time for the
closing prayer; after Michel’s improvised prayer of thanks, we hold
hands and say the Notre Père together.
The Spiritualist closed group functions in ways that are reminiscent
of psychoanalysis in that a series of firm rules circumscribes the con-
text, creating a safe zone of freedom in which extraordinary experi-
ences can happen. Members are expected to arrive on time and, usu-
ally, to pay for missed classes. People sit in the required posture for
each activity, not leaving their places except for the short break in the
middle of the meeting. When students give messages, aggressivity, even
of a mild sort, is not tolerated. Members of the group speak in turn
during the parts of the meeting devoted to verbal exchange, and oth-
erwise only with Michel’s permission. They sit in the required posture
for each activity, not leaving their places except for the short break in
the middle of the meeting. Generally, Michel enforces the rules with
a light touch, first with humor, then with a quiet word in private, but
repeated inappropriate behavior (speaking out of turn, sitting incor-
rectly, leaving one’s seat, tardiness) is likely to lead to expulsion.
When participants recount what they have seen during the clairvoy-
ance exercise, Michel usually remains noncommittal, reacting with a
few words of acknowledgment: “Great, thank you!” Many new mem-
bers see nothing for the first weeks or months, and this, too, is given
support. Michel reminds the group that this is normal for many peo-
ple. Little by little, what seem at first to be one’s own imaginings take
on another aspect. Unexpected words, images, and phrases come to
mind. Some may experience actual visions or see spirit guides. Between
Michel’s nonjudgmental encouragement and the many rules that sur-
round the context, a protective space of freedom is created where stu-
dents are led to perceive impressions and sensations that might nor-
mally go unregistered.
It is, of course, difficult to assess the accuracy of one’s own clairvoy-
ance or whether it is improving with practice. Classes and church ser-
vices give ample occasion to observe others over time; in general, their
