Hocus pocus in Matamata is causing a clamour among the local clergy.
The Ministers' Association is so worried about the growth in "potentially deceptive psychic influences" in the town that it has warned parishioners against dabbling in the dark arts.
After hearing a spiritual channeling event was organised by a local woman, the association wrote to its flock about its concern about an "upsurge in mediums, channelings and so forth in town".
The trouble began in May when a resident organised an evening with international medium Francis Evans, who would channel a spirit called Mercredian. The display was cancelled but even the prospect of the event sent the clergy into a spin. "We had previously become concerned about the growth of this type of spiritualism in Matamata but we didn't really want to draw attention to it," said Anglican minister Rhys Lewis.
The ministers sent a letter to the Matamata Chronicle warning of the dangers of mixing seances and mediums with entertainment, following up with advice in the parish newsletter.
Lewis, from All Saints Anglican Church, said he was disturbed by the "celebratory manner" with which the event was being publicised. He told the Sunday Star-Times he had noticed more people delving into forms of spiritualism, with one group meeting fortnightly to have psychic readings and attempt to channel spirits.
Maggie Roberts, owner of Moon Magic Creations, an alternative gift shop and "healing centre", says she has seen a growth in inquiries for group psychic reading sessions. She relies on volunteers to conduct readings but "Matamata is a conservative town". "But there are a lot of younger people coming in, bringing with them new energy. You would be surprised at the number of people turning to this kind of spiritualism and coming into our shop to reveal that they have a little psychic gift."
She is hoping to organise a private group channelling session with Evans.
"Younger ones are coming along, wanting to know more about a less orthodox spirituality, while older people are interested in what they have to look forward to after they have passed over to the other side."
Roberts believes her detractors are failing to keep an open mind about her religion, which she calls alternative spiritualism.
But the Matamata clergy is not charmed. "We just want to make our position clear that we should put our trust in God," said Lewis.
"Seeking to be guided by the spirit world and dabbling in things like this could get out of control."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4120713a11.html
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