Bereavement inspires opening
of unique Spiritualism shop

The suicide of a close friend inspired Spencer David's unique business venture – a spiritualist shop.

A former carer for people with mental illnesses and a youth worker, Spencer first encountered spiritualism after the suicide of a close friend. "I was only 17 and he was 21. We were really good friends and socialised all the time.

However, despite being the ‘tough bodybuilder’ that he always appeared, he was unable to recover from the death of his mum and consequently took his own life," said the 28 year-old Coventry man.

"Wanting to be strong for our fellow friends, I found it difficult to openly grieve. The whole incident played on my mind, I just couldn’t come to terms with it. Knowing this, six years later a workmate suggested I went with her to a local Spiritualist church – she had been able to see spirits for most of her life," said Spencer.

"I’d never really had any definite idea of religion before, though I suppose as a child I always imagined God to be a real person watching over us. Anyhow, I took up my friend’s offer – not knowing how it would change my life."

Psychic tea

Spencer accompanied the work colleague to a psychic tea, where a number of mediums rotate between the tables giving messages, after which you tuck into cakes and so forth!

"I was excited, open-minded and nervous at same time, wondering if any loved ones would come back and tell me off for not working harder at university!," laughed Spencer. "Before I knew it, my nan and granddad came through and gave lots of accurate information about my college and the questionable people I was mixing with at the time.

Friend makes contact

"I would have been quite content with this information alone – but then suddenly the friend who had committed suicide came through! I really wanted to make contact, since I was desperate to know if he was alright now and if he had found his mum."

The medium gave Spencer precise details about his friend’s name, age and appearance – adding that he was happy now and with his mum. "Wow! My mind was blown! I didn’t feel upset, just sort of numb. I went outside and smoked three cigarettes in ten minutes, getting my head together! I knew he must be with me – there and then," said Spencer.

Returning home, he told his mum all about it. "She was so pleased, having believed in the spirit world all her life.

"The following day, my workmate asked if I’d like to join an open circle at her church – where I could discover if I had a flair for being spiritual myself. I went along to the church and took part in a guided meditation and with my eyes shut, I could see pictures – as clearly as if I was watching a video. It seemed I had a natural gift after all – perhaps I too could bring the same comfort to others that I now had about my dead friend."

"You should become a medium"

Continuing with the open circle, Spencer also attended a number of demonstrations by a variety of mediums, some of whom gave him messages that he too should become a medium.

"After six months I began to hear spirits in open circle and three months later developed enough skill to relay brief messages. Having also developed psychometry skills – picking up information from an object – I thought it was time to join a development circle to hone my abilities."

Spencer took his studies further when three years ago he attended a mediumship course at the highly-acclaimed Arthur Findley College in Stansted – and all quite by chance.

"A friend at the church was disappointed that I didn’t do private readings as yet, a medium then gave me the message of number 28 and we discussed the cost of private sittings; when I arrived home there was a money bag in my room that I had never seen before - inside which was a piece of paper with dates of courses at Arthur Findley College, the first being January 28th. Although fully-booked when I first telephoned, I soon got a cancellation! I’m sure it was meant to be," said Spencer.

Negative energy

He added: "By the end of 2003, I felt confident enough to begin private sittings. Despite not having a great number of clients to begin with, I still had to stop my regular job, since I was being badly affected through heightened sensitivity to the negative energy of the people for whom I cared.

"It took about 12 months to really get going, mum and I scrimped and saved, but it never bothered us that much – we believed more than ever it was meant to be and something seemed to cushion our hardships. When times became really hard, I did go for job interviews, but there was always an unexpected obstacle – someone clearly had other plans for me!"

Although Spencer has added healing to his other spiritualists activities, and is a probationer healer, it’s his work as a medium that’s remains closest to his heart.

He added: "I received many messages about my future earlier this year and they’ve all come true – most notably my spiritualist shop. Mum and I had been talking about other incomes and wondered about opening a healing crystal shop. We had a brief look at available properties, but none were right.

Vision leads to shop

"Then I had a dream – or a sleeping vision. I was in a shop and talking to man behind the counter about the cost of running such a business – it was the shop I’ve now bought. It used to be a video shop that I frequented – and the last time I visited I got into conversation with the owner, who said she was selling up – so I seized the opportunity!" said Spencer.

"I knew nothing about buying stock and so forth when I started, but feel sure that someone has been watching over me and guiding me through the whole process."

"All sorts of people visit the shop – all ages, interests and cultures. Some have been very anti, but when they take the time to listen, they leave most enlightened and usually comment on the relaxing atmosphere," said Spencer. "I think people appreciate my genuine knowledge of what I sell. Everyone is most welcome to browse and have a chat."

Bringing comfort and reassurance

Reflecting on his unusual career to date, Spencer said: "I love my medium work, it’s great to bring comfort and reassurance to unhappy people.