Brief
Stewart Alexander
The claims the writer was given for Stewart Alexander, in the order they were given.
1
In a book test conducted by physical medium Stewart Alexander's spirit guide Freda for an American whose home Stewart Alexander knew nothing about, Freda referenced a specific location on a shelf, page 84 on the left side, an animal near the top, and further down the names "George" and "Smith", and all were found as specified.
“The page in the book test conducted by physical medium Stewart Alexander's guide, Freda, for an American whose home Stewart knew nothing about. Freda referenced a specific location on the shelf, p. 84 on the left side, an animal near the top, and farther down the names “George” and “Smith.” All were found as specified.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch32:4934-5244 testimony
2
Stewart Alexander's séance room has a table lit from underneath during the materialisation of a hand, and Stewart Alexander is strapped into the armchair in that room.
“Stewart's séance room. He is strapped into the armchair; the table is lit from underneath during the materialization of the hand.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch32:5382-5506 observation first hand
3
In Stewart Alexander's séance room, trumpets fly around the room and are placed on the table next to drumsticks, which are banged loudly on the table by whatever force is present.
“The trumpets, which fly around the room, are on the table next to drumsticks, which are banged loudly on the table by whatever force is present.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch32:5512-5648 observation first hand
4
David Fontana wrote in his foreword to Stewart Alexander's memoir that the extraordinary thing is not that physical mediumship phenomena happen in darkness, but that they happen at all.
““The extraordinary thing is not that it happens in darkness, but that it happens at all,” he wrote in his foreword to Stewart’s memoir.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:10584-10711 opinion second hand
5
Stewart Alexander has given his life to physical mediumship for close to fifty years.
“For close to fifty years, Stewart has given his life to this task.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1062-1123 administrative
6
Despite his distaste for travel, Stewart Alexander has held séances in Scotland, Wales, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain.
“Despite his distaste for travel, Stewart has held séances in Scotland and Wales, as well as in Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:10945-11074 administrative
7
Stewart Alexander has sat for skeptics, researchers, and parapsychological organisations.
“He has sat for skeptics, researchers, and parapsychological organizations.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:11081-11141 administrative
8
For his public sittings, Stewart Alexander was often bodily searched, and his chair and every aspect of the various rooms were thoroughly inspected.
“For these public sittings, he was often bodily searched, and his chair and every aspect of the various rooms were thoroughly inspected.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:11156-11281 administrative
9
Stewart Alexander is a scholar of the history of physical mediumship with a home library full of historic papers and books.
“In addition, he is a scholar regarding the history of physical mediumship, with a home library full of historic papers and books,”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1129-1252 administrative
10
David Fontana wrote in 2010 that apart from a few unconvincing accusations made against him by ill-informed individuals, Stewart Alexander's long career has been free from attempts to cast doubt on the genuine nature of the phenomena associated with his mediumship.
““Apart from the very few and unconvincing accusations made against him by ill-informed individuals,” David Fontana wrote in 2010, “Stewart’s long career has been free from attempts to cast doubt on the genuine nature of the phenomena associated with his mediumship.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:11293-11546 opinion second hand
11
Leslie Kean attended two séances with Stewart Alexander's circle in April 2015 and returned for two more the following August 2015.
“I attended two séances that week in April 2015, and returned for two more the following August.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:11560-11648 testimony first hand
12
For Leslie Kean's first séance with Stewart Alexander's circle, there were only four other sitters, all of whom had been with the circle for years.
“For my first séance, there were only four other sitters, all of whom had been with the circle for years.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:12014-12112 observation first hand
13
Stewart Alexander encouraged Leslie Kean not to let go of her analytical journalistic side in the séance room, affirming that logic and reason should never be sacrificed under any circumstances.
“Stewart encouraged me to not let go of my analytical journalistic side in the séance room, affirming to me that “logic and reason should never be sacrificed under any circumstances.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:12145-12312 testimony second hand
14
Stewart Alexander has interviewed countless people who sat with mediums Alec Harris, Minnie Harrison, Helen Duncan, and Hunter Selkirk.
“he has interviewed countless people who sat with Alec Harris, Minnie Harrison, Helen Duncan, Hunter Selkirk, and other great mediums.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1263-1388 administrative
15
When six people entered the séance room at 8 p.m., Stewart Alexander was secured to the wooden arms of his chair with thick cable ties, looped through an opening attached to the arm and removable only with a noisy wire cutter.
“When the six of us entered the room at 8 p.m., Stewart was secured to the wooden arms of his chair with thick cable ties, which are looped through an opening attached to the arm and can be removed only with a noisy wire cutter.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:13369-13589 observation first hand
16
Leslie Kean made sure that the cable ties were locked in place tightly enough that neither of Stewart Alexander's hands could possibly slide out of them.
“I made sure that the ties were locked in place tightly enough that neither hand could possibly slide out of them.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:13699-13807 observation first hand
17
Stewart Alexander's hands were flat against the arms of the chair when secured, and the plastic cable tie dug into the skin above his wrist, which he did not mind.
“His hands were flat against the arms of the chair when they were secured and the plastic dug into the skin above his wrist, which he didn’t mind.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:13813-13953 observation first hand
18
Luminous markers were attached to Stewart Alexander's knees before the séance began, and the door was locked and the lights turned off.
“Luminous markers were attached to his knees. The door was locked and the lights were turned off.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:13959-14051 observation first hand
19
Stewart Alexander's interest in physical mediumship began in 1968 when he was twenty-two years old.
“It all started in 1968 when he was twenty-two.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1398-1440 administrative
20
The same music is played every week to help trigger Stewart Alexander's trance state, and this transition happens very fast, within a minute or two.
“Music—the same every week—was played to help trigger Stewart’s trance state. This transition happens very fast; within a minute or two.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:14057-14188 observation
21
Stewart Alexander described entering trance as feeling them coming, his facial muscles stiffening, sensing energy on top of his head and a pulling in his solar plexus, then surrendering all control and going instantly.
“He said he can feel “them” coming; he feels the muscles in his face stiffen up and senses energy on top of his head and a pulling in his solar plexus. He surrenders all control, and then instantly, he’s gone.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:14234-14437 testimony second hand
22
Stewart Alexander trusts the spirit people completely and puts his life in their hands.
“He trusts the spirit people completely, and puts his life in their hands.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:14443-14510 opinion second hand
23
The communicators Walter Stinson and Freda said they disconnect Stewart Alexander's mind from his brain and thereby acquire access to his vocal apparatus.
“The communicators Walter and Freda have tried to explain how this happens, saying they disconnect Stewart’s mind from his brain and thereby acquire access to his vocal apparatus.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:14518-14686 testimony second hand
24
In one séance, Walter Stinson told Leslie Kean that the spirit team ideally wants about 80 percent control of the medium in order to avoid being overly influenced by his mind.
“In one séance I attended, Walter told me that they ideally want about 80 percent control of the medium in order to avoid being overly influenced by his mind.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:15125-15277 testimony second hand
25
Walter Stinson said that if the spirit communicators took 100 percent control of Stewart Alexander, he would be dead.
“(Some influence is unavoidable. If they took 100 percent control, he would be dead.)”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:15284-15361 testimony second hand
26
Once Stewart Alexander was in trance, the music was turned off and White Feather arrived as the dignified Native American doorkeeper who always opens the sittings with a short welcome, speaking through Stewart.
“Once Stewart was in trance, the music was turned off and White Feather arrived—the dignified Native American doorkeeper who always opens the sittings with a short welcome, speaking through Stewart.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:15369-15558 observation first hand
27
Christopher took over next with a lovable high voice, causing Stewart Alexander's body to wiggle and jump with his energy, and had the sitters in hysterics.
“Then the playful but brilliant Christopher took over with his lovable high voice, causing Stewart’s body to wiggle and jump with his energy, and he had all of us in hysterics.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:15567-15732 observation first hand
28
Leslie Kean noticed how distinctly different each of the voices and personalities speaking through Stewart Alexander were.
“I noticed how distinctly different each of the voices and personalities were.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:15849-15921 observation first hand
29
Between the appearances of the spirit communicators, Stewart Alexander slumped in his chair with his head down as if deeply asleep, and came alive again when they took over.
“Between their appearances, Stewart slumped in his chair with his head down as if deeply asleep; when they took over, he came alive again.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:15973-16104 observation first hand
30
Walter Stinson asked Leslie Kean to sit next to Stewart Alexander to his right, and directed her to place her left hand on top of Stewart Alexander's right hand near the cable tie tight around his arm above his wrist.
“Walter asked me to come sit next to Stewart, and I sat to his right. Following instructions, I placed my left hand on top of Stewart’s right hand, which was at the end of the arm of the chair with the cable tie tight around his arm just above his wrist.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:16112-16359 observation first hand
31
At Walter Stinson's direction, Leslie Kean felt the locked cable tie holding Stewart Alexander tightly to the chair, and confirmed to Walter that she felt the strap.
“At Walter’s direction, I took my other hand and felt that locked cable tie holding Stewart tightly to the chair. “Do you feel the strap, ma’am?” Walter asked, and I confirmed it.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:16366-16542 observation first hand
32
Stewart Alexander was so inspired by On the Edge of the Etheric that he spent several years reading everything he could about physical mediumship.
“Stewart was so inspired by it that he spent several years reading everything he could about physical mediumship.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1640-1741 administrative
33
Walter Stinson said that if he could take Stewart Alexander's arm through the strap, he thought that would be somewhat impressive, and then Stewart Alexander's arm suddenly flew upward with Leslie Kean's hand gripping his and riding up with it, accompanied by a quick snapping sound.
““If I can now take Stewart’s arm through the strap I think that would be somewhat impressive!” Walter stated. Then, suddenly, his arm flew upward, with my hand gripping his and riding up along with it, with a quick snapping sound.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:16661-16884 observation first hand
34
After Stewart Alexander's arm moved, Walter Stinson told Leslie Kean to feel the strap on the arm of the chair with her other hand while her left hand remained in the air holding Stewart Alexander, and she found the cable tie remained locked in place and unbroken on the chair arm, just as she had felt it a second before with Stewart Alexander's arm inside it.
“Walter immediately said to feel the strap on the arm of the chair with my other hand, while my left hand remained in the air still holding on to Stewart. The cable tie remained there, still locked in place, unbroken, just as I had felt it a second before with Stewart’s arm inside it.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:16892-17173 observation first hand
35
Leslie Kean witnessed Stewart Alexander's arm move right through the locked cable tie, which remained closed on the arm of the chair, an effect Walter Stinson described as living matter through matter.
“I had just witnessed “living matter through matter” as Walter described it—Stewart’s arm moved right through the locked cable tie, which remained closed on the arm of the chair.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:17177-17348 observation first hand
36
This living-matter-through-matter experiment has been performed many times in Stewart Alexander's séances, and Leslie Kean spoke to two sitters who once observed it in red light.
“This experiment has been performed many times, and I spoke to two sitters who once observed it in red light.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:17355-17457 testimony second hand
37
Walter Stinson then passed the intact, closed cable tie through the solid arm of the chair and told Leslie Kean it was hers to take.
“Walter then passed the intact cable tie, still closed in its loop, through the solid arm of the chair, and said “it is yours, take it!””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:17465-17596 observation first hand
38
Stewart Alexander eventually formed his own home circle with friends, family, and neighbours who sat together weekly in the dark for many months with no results.
“Eventually he formed his own home circle with friends, family, and neighbors; they sat together weekly in the dark for many months with no results.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1753-1892 administrative
39
After Walter Stinson asked whether there was a spare strap on the table, sitters heard the rasping, clicking sound of a new cable tie being pulled through the ratchet that locked it onto Stewart Alexander's arm and the chair arm, replacing the one Leslie Kean held, though no one in the room had moved and there was no other sound.
““Is there a spare strap on the table?” Walter asked. This to me was the most startling part of all: we could then hear the rasping, clicking sound of a new cable tie being pulled through the ratchet that locked it in onto Stewart’s arm and the arm of the chair, replacing the one that I had in my hand. This maneuver takes two hands! No one in the room had moved. There was no other sound in the silence.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:17662-18057 observation first hand
40
A new, opened cable tie had somehow been transported from the table and secured onto Stewart Alexander's arm again, which Leslie Kean then felt tightly locked around his arm, pinching into his flesh.
“Somehow a new, opened cable tie had been transported from the table and secured onto Stewart’s arm again. I then felt that new strap tightly locked around his arm, pinching into his flesh.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:18066-18248 observation first hand
41
Stewart Alexander was not looking to become a medium himself; he simply wanted to help create the right conditions for phenomena to possibly occur.
“Stewart was not looking to become a medium himself; he simply wanted to help create the right conditions for phenomena to possibly occur.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:1901-2032 administrative
42
After the trumpets were placed on the floor in front of Stewart Alexander and the sitters sang for a few moments to add energy to the room, one trumpet started tapping rapidly up and down on the floor, then rose upward completely on its own, its illuminated band around the larger end clearly visible, moving up to the ceiling both slowly and quickly.
“Next, the trumpets were placed on the floor in front of Stewart. After the sitters sang for a few moments to add energy to the room, one trumpet started tapping rapidly up and down on the floor. It then rose upward, completely on its own; we could clearly see its illuminated band around the larger end. It went up to the ceiling. It moved both slowly and fast, now”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:19614-19976 observation first hand
43
During a séance, a levitated trumpet touched Leslie Kean's forehead very gently with a few taps while navigating in complete darkness.
“It touched my forehead very gently with a few taps. Navigating perfectly in the pitch dark, it never bumped into anyone or touched them too forcefully or with any awkwardness.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:20067-20230 observation first hand
44
One evening without warning, Stewart Alexander was entranced by an entity or presence called White Feather, who became his principal spirit guide.
“one evening, without warning, he was entranced by an entity or presence called “White Feather,” who was to become his principal “spirit guide””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:2049-2185 testimony
45
During a séance with Stewart Alexander, a human voice spoke through a levitated trumpet suspended at Leslie Kean's eye level, trying to form words.
“When it rested at my eye level, suspended in front of me, a human voice spoke through it, trying to form words.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:20731-20836 observation first hand
46
During Leslie Kean's séances with Stewart Alexander, Stewart Alexander could be heard breathing heavily, gurgling and coughing due to the ectoplasm.
“Stewart could be heard breathing heavily, gurgling and coughing due to the ectoplasm.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:20930-21005 observation first hand
47
At a later séance, a levitated trumpet stroked Leslie Kean's nose and cheek, manoeuvring around her glasses without touching them.
“(At a later séance, I was astonished when the levitated trumpet stroked my nose and my cheek, maneuvering around my glasses so well that it never touched them—a feat that could not be accomplished by any human in the blackness.)”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:21501-21717 observation first hand
48
During a séance with Stewart Alexander, Dr. Barnett introduced himself speaking independently near Stewart Alexander.
“Then the voice of Dr. Barnett introduced himself from near to Stewart, speaking independently.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:21819-21899 observation first hand
49
Over a period of many months, White Feather developed the ability to speak through Stewart Alexander when he went into a trance state.
“who, over a period of many months, developed the ability to speak through Stewart when he went into a trance state.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:2196-2305 testimony
50
Dr. Barnett said he was planning to materialise and walk among the sitters at a séance with Stewart Alexander.
“he said he was planning to materialize and walk among us.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:22025-22079 testimony second hand
51
It took over ten years for White Feather to be able to speak independently through a trumpet, a simple eighteen-inch cone made of lightweight materials with one narrow opening and one larger opening, like a small megaphone, while it was levitated in the air.
“It took over ten years, but eventually White Feather was able to speak independently through what is called a “trumpet”—a simple eighteen-inch cone made of lightweight materials with one narrow opening and one larger, like a small megaphone—while it was levitated in the air.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:2312-2583 testimony
52
During a séance, Walter, speaking through Stewart Alexander, told Leslie Kean he wanted to demonstrate the materialisation of his own hand.
“Walter, still speaking through Stewart, told me he wanted to demonstrate the materialization of his own hand.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:25280-25384 observation first hand
53
During the hand-materialisation experiment, Leslie Kean observed ectoplasm form a greyish-black, foggy cloud that moved slowly toward her over the table from Stewart Alexander's side, gradually taking the shape of a hand with emerging fingers and a thumb, before becoming a three-dimensional solid human hand that formed a fist and banged three times loudly on the table.
“The ectoplasm formed a grayish-black, foggy cloud that moved slowly toward me over the table, coming from Stewart's side opposite me. Gradually, I saw it grow, form into a rounded shape; then it looked more like a hand, then I saw emerging fingers and a thumb, and suddenly it morphed into a three-dimensional, solid human hand that formed a fist and banged three times loudly on the table to demonstrate its solidity.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:25804-26213 observation first hand
54
Stewart Alexander describes the turning point of White Feather's independent voice through the trumpet as akin to the breaking of a dam, requiring tremendous patience and commitment.
“Stewart describes this turning point as “akin to the breaking of a dam”—it took tremendous patience and commitment to get there.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:2588-2710 opinion second hand
55
Stewart Alexander's arms remained locked to his chair during the hand-materialisation demonstration, and he was too far from the centre of the table to physically reach the materialised hand.
“Stewart, his arms still locked to his chair, was too far from the center of the table to reach it.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:26978-27073 observation first hand
56
Leslie Kean judged the materialised hand to be larger and fleshier than Stewart Alexander's own hand, which she had held during the 'matter through matter' demonstration.
“In any case, this hand was larger and fleshier than Stewart's; I could tell the difference, especially after having held on to Stewart's more delicate, thinner hand for the "matter through matter" display.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:27077-27274 observation first hand
57
Other phenomena developed gradually in Stewart Alexander's séances, including the unexplainable appearance and transport of objects into the room, known as apports.
“Other phenomena developed gradually over time, including the unexplainable appearance and transport of objects, known as “apports,” into the room.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:2718-2859 testimony
58
During Leslie Kean's following three séances with Stewart Alexander, she observed the materialisation of Walter's hand twice from close by while others sat at the table, once with a sleeve hanging on the arm, and was herself touched by it one more time.
“During my following three séances, I observed the materialization of Walter's hand twice from close by while others sat at the table, once with a sleeve hanging on the arm, and was myself the recipient of its touch one more time.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:27436-27660 observation first hand
59
A second spirit guide, calling himself Christopher, arrived and spoke through Stewart Alexander, saying he had died as a young boy and presenting himself as a very lively child.
“A second guide arrived, also speaking through Stewart, who called himself Christopher and said he had died as a young boy, so he presented himself as a very lively child.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:2865-3029 testimony
60
David Fontana has touched Walter's fully animated, materialised hand during Stewart Alexander's séances.
“Many people, including David Fontana, have also touched Walter's fully animated, materialized hand in Stewart's séances.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:30225-30339 observation second hand
61
During her fourth séance with Stewart Alexander, on 2015-08-20, with nine other sitters, Leslie Kean experienced the full materialisation of Dr. Barnett.
“During my fourth séance, on August 20, 2015, with nine other sitters, I was fortunate to experience something else unbelievable but real: the full materialization of Dr. Barnett.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:30723-30893 observation first hand
62
During the séance where Dr. Barnett materialised, Stewart Alexander was levitated in his chair and his knee tabs rose about a foot; he woke up and said he disliked being levitated.
“Initially, Stewart was levitated in his chair; he woke up as we saw his knee tabs rise about a foot, saying how much he disliked being levitated”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:30943-31078 observation first hand
63
Stewart Alexander has on some occasions risen up to approximately 1.5 metres, and even to the ceiling, while strapped in his chair during levitation, often waking up.
“on some occasions he has risen five feet, and even to the ceiling, while strapped in his chair, often waking up).”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:31089-31198 observation first hand
64
During the séance, the sitters watched Stewart Alexander's knee tabs to observe him being moved inside the cabinet by an unseen force.
“By watching the knee tabs, we could see him being moved inside the cabinet by whatever the force was that could accomplish such a heavy task.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:31203-31339 observation first hand
65
Dr. Barnett said the materialisation was difficult for him, and commanded 'Sleep!' when it seemed as if Stewart Alexander might wake up.
“He said how difficult this was for him, and when it seemed as if Stewart might wake up, he commanded, "Sleep!"”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:31877-31980 testimony first hand
66
Stewart Alexander's knee pads were visible during the séance except when blocked by materialised forms moving in front of him, which sitters took as evidence that something solid was present.
“Stewart's knee pads were visible except when they were blocked by the forms moving in front of him; this was another way we knew that something "solid" was actually there.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:31988-32153 observation first hand
67
During the materialisation séance, Stewart Alexander started coughing, and Leslie Kean heard the cabinet curtains shake as if someone had grabbed and rattled them.
“Stewart started coughing, and then I heard the cabinet curtains shake as if someone had grabbed them and was rattling them strongly.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:32369-32492 observation first hand
68
Stewart Alexander told Leslie Kean that spirit people exist in an etheric body at a higher vibration, comparable to a bamboo pole swung so fast the eye cannot see it, and that they must slow themselves down to become physically observable.
“Stewart told me afterward that the spirit people exist in an etheric body at a higher vibration. It's like taking a bamboo pole and swinging it so fast that the eye can't see it anymore. The pole is still there, but it's moving too fast, vibrating too rapidly, for us to perceive it. If you slow it down, then it is in a physical state that we can observe.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:32746-33094 testimony first hand
69
Christopher, Stewart Alexander's spirit guide, also brought through evidential information from loved ones of sitters.
“and he also brought through evidential information from loved ones.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3285-3347 testimony
70
Stewart Alexander's current home circle was formed in 1988.
“In 1988, Stewart’s current home circle was formed.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3354-3397 administrative
71
By 1988, Stewart Alexander's trance state was so deep that when implements were screwed into his flesh, he showed no reaction.
“By this time his trance state was so deep that when implements were screwed into his flesh, he showed no reaction.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3405-3510 testimony
72
Leslie Kean received a tape of an October 2015 sitting with Stewart Alexander that took place at a seminar before many witnesses, which she studied carefully.
“For example, I was given the tape of an October 2015 sitting, which took place at a seminar before many witnesses. I studied it carefully.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:34406-34534 observation first hand
73
At the October 2015 sitting, Freda spoke through Stewart Alexander while he was in a light trance, saying she had a gentleman with her in her world anxious to speak to a friend, who had died just over four years earlier and was named Derek.
“The room was illuminated, and Freda spoke through Stewart while he was in a light trance. Freda said that she had a gentleman with her in her world, anxious to speak to a friend; the gentleman had died just over four years ago, and his name was Derek.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:34545-34790 testimony first hand
74
Stewart Alexander gave his first public séance in 1992.
“He gave his first public séance in 1992,”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3520-3555 administrative
75
Stewart Alexander describes his physical mediumship in 1992 as still in an embryonic state.
“when even then, he says modestly, “my physical mediumship was still in an embryonic state.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3561-3645 opinion second hand
76
During Stewart Alexander's larger public séances, sitters were invited to test him in the light to show that he was really in a deep trance.
“It was during these larger séances that sitters were invited to test Stewart in the light to show that he was really in a deep trance.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3653-3780 testimony
77
Leslie Kean contacted Violet Eccles to confirm that Stewart Alexander knew none of the information given in the reading, which Stewart Alexander told her he was certain he did not know.
“I contacted Violet to confirm that Stewart knew absolutely none of this (which he told me he was certain he did not), and to check the accuracy of what had happened.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:36724-36880 observation first hand
78
In 2014, Reville Mohr, a sceptic who did not believe in mediumship or the afterlife, flew from Australia with his sister Leone Holdsworth to attend a sitting with Stewart Alexander.
“In 2014, Reville Mohr, a skeptic who did not believe in mediumship or the afterlife, flew from Australia with his sister Leone Holdsworth to attend a sitting with Stewart.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:37444-37607 administrative first hand
79
At the 2014 sitting, Freda, speaking through Stewart Alexander, invited Reville Mohr to come sit by Stewart Alexander.
“To everyone's surprise, Freda, speaking through Stewart, invited Reville to come sit by Stewart.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:37836-37924 observation second hand
80
An observer's report described an experienced sitter performing operations on Stewart Alexander's arm with the skill of a master butcher during a light test.
“On one occasion, an experienced sitter performed his operations “with the skill of a master butcher,” according to a report by an observer.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3788-3918 testimony second hand
81
Stewart Alexander texted his host, a circle member, the morning after Reville Mohr's emotional sitting to ask how he was doing.
“Reville had been so emotional that Stewart texted his host, a circle member, the next morning to ask how he was doing.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:38742-38854 observation second hand
82
Stewart Alexander's host replied that Reville Mohr had gone for a walk and, on his return, seemed like a man who had just won the lottery.
“"Her reply has stuck in my mind ever since," Stewart told me, tearfully moved by the memory. "She said he had gone for a walk and on his return he was like a man who had just won the lottery."”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:38862-39044 testimony third hand
83
In 2016, Stewart Alexander told Leslie Kean he would give up all the flying trumpets and materialisations if it meant the trance mediumship could be far more evidential, saying this kind of evidence is everything to him.
“"I would give up all the flying trumpets, materializations, everything, if it meant that the trance mediumship could be far, far more evidential than it is. To me, this kind of evidence is everything," Stewart told me in 2016.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:39125-39345 opinion first hand
84
The observer's report described that the sitter nipped, sliced, and screwed the implement into Stewart Alexander's flesh to no avail, and on returning from trance there was not a mark on his arm and he was not aware of what happened until told later in the bar.
“To the horror of nearby attendees, he “nipped, sliced and screwed the implement into the medium’s flesh but to no avail. On returning from trance there was not a mark on Stewart’s arm and he was not aware of what happened until told later in the bar.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:3928-4174 testimony second hand
85
Dr. Barnett performs healing, sometimes for serious illnesses such as cancer, either when he materialises or through Stewart Alexander when he occupies his body.
“Another important component is the healing performed by Dr. Barnett either when he materializes, or through Stewart when he occupies his body, sometimes for serious illnesses such as cancer.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:39352-39535 observation first hand
86
event: Robin Hodson's healing sitting with Dr. Barnett (2011) occurred when Robin Hodson and his wife visited the circle and Robin Hodson was told to sit in front of the cabinet by Dr. Barnett, speaking through Stewart Alexander.
“In 2011, Robin Hodson and his wife visited the circle. Robin was told to sit in front of the cabinet by Dr. Barnett, who was speaking through Stewart.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:39544-39686 observation first hand
87
Robin Hodson said that when Stewart Alexander's hands were placed against his open palms, it immediately felt like receiving electric shocks, lasting a few minutes.
“Stewart's hands were placed against Robin's open palms, and "immediately it was like receiving electric shocks," Robin says, which lasted for a few minutes.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:39695-39843 observation first hand
88
Sometimes information relayed as coming from loved ones in Stewart Alexander's séances does not make sense or can be inaccurate.
“I must also note that sometimes evidence from loved ones does not make sense or can be inaccurate, and sometimes healings are not successful.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:41233-41363 opinion first hand
89
There are times when Stewart Alexander sits with his circle and nothing happens at all.
“There are also times when Stewart sits with his circle and nothing happens at all.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:41375-41453 observation first hand
90
Stewart Alexander worries greatly about the unpredictability of his séance results when people travel long distances to sit with him.
“Séance results are not predictable, and Stewart worries greatly about this when people travel long distances to sit with him.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:41458-41579 opinion first hand
91
Leslie Kean spoke to reliable witnesses who confirmed the account of implements being screwed into Stewart Alexander's flesh without leaving a mark.
“I spoke to reliable witnesses who confirmed this account.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:4180-4229 testimony first hand
92
Stewart Alexander rejects the living-agent psi (LAP) hypothesis that his mediumship phenomena are solely a product of his own psi and that of the sitters using psychokinesis to create the physical effects, asking rhetorically whether Dr. Barnett could be created by him and yet speak to people independently, walk among them, and heal them by touch.
““Is Dr. Barnett created by me?” he replied. “Someone who cannot only speak to people independently of me, but can walk among them, put his hands on them and heal them? Is this me? Nonsense!””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:41840-42019 opinion first hand
93
Kevin Kussow emailed Stewart Alexander early in 2016 to ask his advice.
“Kevin had emailed Stewart early in 2016 to ask his advice.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:42264-42315 observation
94
Walter Stinson arrived as another member of Stewart Alexander's spirit team in 1992 and was in charge of developing the physical phenomena.
“arrived as another member of Stewart’s “spirit team” in 1992, and was in charge of developing the physical phenomena.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:4348-4455 testimony
95
Stewart Alexander had never met Kevin Kussow and knew nothing about his home.
“Stewart had never met Kevin and knew nothing about his home.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:44269-44324 administrative
96
Stewart Alexander considers the possibility that he unconsciously used clairvoyance to perceive the book's contents and location while unconscious to be preposterous.
“Or could Stewart have such extraordinary clairvoyance that he could have “seen” the five words on that specific book page, along with the book’s location on the shelf, while unconscious? He considers that possibility preposterous.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:44416-44633 opinion first hand
97
Stewart Alexander considers book tests important to the survival argument, and says they are the kind of experiment that critics conveniently ignore.
““The book tests are important to the survival argument,” he told me. “This is the kind of experiment that the critics conveniently ignore.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:44648-44778 opinion first hand
98
Walter Stinson worked with his sister Margery Crandon in her séance room after his death, and intended to continue this work through Stewart Alexander.
“Walter worked with his sister in her séance room after his death, and he intended to continue this work through Stewart.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:4627-4739 testimony
99
Leslie Kean received a text message while standing at a subway platform in downtown New York City from one of Stewart Alexander's circle members reading that Dr. Barnett had walked among them and done some healing the previous night.
“Just last night, I was in downtown New York City when I received a text message from one of Stewart’s circle members: “Dr. Barnett walked among us last night and did some healing…””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:46325-46496 testimony second hand
100
An Extraordinary Journey includes accounts by many sitters of phenomena that repeatedly manifested in Stewart Alexander's séance room for decades.
“which includes accounts by many sitters of the phenomena that have repeatedly manifested in his séance room for decades.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:474-586 administrative second hand
101
Freda Johnson, a strong and nurturing lady who provides evidence from loved ones, completed Stewart Alexander's spirit team in 1996.
“Next, Freda Johnson, a strong and nurturing proper lady who provides evidence from loved ones, completed the team in 1996.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:4748-4865 testimony
102
Christopher, Stewart Alexander's spirit guide, has the job of relaxing sitters and making them laugh.
“The young and witty Christopher now has the job of relaxing people and making them laugh.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:4871-4954 testimony
103
Dr. Barnett, another spirit person in Stewart Alexander's séances, has been a physical healer for many sitters and was able to regularly speak independently of the medium and materialize fully during séances.
“Some years later, another “spirit person,” Dr. Barnett, who has been a physical healer for many sitters, was able to regularly speak independently of the medium and materialize fully during séances.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:4961-5153 testimony
104
Stewart Alexander has always lived his life as only a part-time medium, running a business with his wife seven days a week and raising two children.
“Stewart has always lived his life as only a part-time medium. Throughout the many years of his development, he ran a business with his wife seven days a week and raised two children,”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:5670-5843 administrative
105
Stewart Alexander now spends a great deal of time with his two young grandchildren.
“and he now spends a great deal of time with his two young grandchildren.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:5853-5911 administrative
106
Stewart Alexander always kept his home and business life entirely separate from his mediumship life, and his two sons never knew of his deep involvement as a medium until he gave them copies of his 2010 book.
“He always kept his home and business life entirely separate from his mediumship life—remarkably, his two sons never knew of his deep involvement as a medium until he gave them copies of his 2010 book.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:5926-6121 administrative
107
Leslie Kean was deeply impressed by Stewart Alexander's integrity, modesty, honest clarity, sincerity, purity of character, and natural spirituality after reading his life story.
“In reading his life story, I was deeply impressed by Stewart’s integrity and modesty, and had no doubt that he was “the real deal.” He had an honest, uncluttered clarity and sincerity that impressed me, a purity of character, and an integrated, natural quality of spirituality that had no dogma or self-consciousness attached.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:595-912 opinion first hand
108
Stewart Alexander said he could not allow the two worlds of medium and family man to mix, and that when he walks into the séance room he does so as the medium willing to give everything to the spirit team, and when he walks out he does so as a family man.
““I could not allow the two worlds to mix,” he told me. “When I walk into the séance room I do so as Stewart the medium, always willing to give everything I possibly can to the spirit team. When I walk out, I do so as Stewart the family man.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:6128-6363 testimony second hand
109
Leslie Kean saw firsthand that Stewart Alexander keeps his home life and mediumship life separate, after visiting and spending time with him and his family at his home.
“I have seen firsthand that this is indeed the case, after visiting and spending time with Stewart and his family at his home.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:6369-6489 testimony first hand
110
Stewart Alexander has been sitting with the same small group, his current home circle, for almost thirty years.
“Stewart has been sitting with the same small group—his current home circle—for almost thirty years.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:6496-6589 administrative
111
Leslie Kean considers Stewart Alexander an old-school medium more like Alec Harris or Minnie Harrison than many of the newer, younger mediums who are either embroiled in controversy or charge high fees while travelling from place to place.
“In this way, he is an “old school” medium, more like Alec Harris or Minnie Harrison than many of the new and younger mediums, who are either embroiled in controversy or charging high fees for sittings while traveling from place to place.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:6596-6827 opinion first hand
112
Stewart Alexander simply sat with the same group week after week, year after year, decade after decade, prioritising his continued development within his home circle over the professional touring circuit.
“In contrast, Stewart simply sat with the same group week after week, year after year, decade after decade, with his priority being his continued development within his home circle, while sharing his mediumship with sincere and interested people who sought him out and requested to sit with him.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:7000-7290 opinion first hand
113
Stewart Alexander has always been a very private person and, despite having published his memoir, prefers to avoid publicity.
“He has always been a very private person, and despite the fact that he published his memoir, he prefers to avoid publicity.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:7447-7560 administrative
114
Stewart Alexander invited Leslie Kean to attend a retreat/conference he gives twice a year and to present a talk on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) there.
“Unsure about what relationship he would have to this book, he invited me to attend a retreat/conference he gives twice a year and to present a talk on UFOs there.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:7571-7727 administrative
115
In April 2015, following the retreat, Stewart Alexander suggested Leslie Kean come to his hometown in Northern England and sit for two sessions with the home circle.
“After this event, in April 2015, he suggested I come back to his hometown in Northern England and sit for two sessions with the home circle.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:7734-7867 administrative
116
Stewart Alexander's séances have always been conducted mainly in the dark, a setup he adopted when he first began because history has shown it is easier for physical phenomena to occur in darkness.
“I was aware that Stewart’s séances have always been conducted mainly in the dark. He set it up this way when he first began, because history has shown that it is easier for physical phenomena to occur in darkness.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:7928-8132 administrative
117
Stewart Alexander always wears luminous tabs on his knees visible at all times, and each curtain of his cabinet has the same visible markers, as do the trumpets with a ring of illumination around the larger opening.
“Stewart always wears luminous tabs on his knees, visible at all times; each curtain of his cabinet has the same visible markers, as do the trumpets with a ring of illumination around the larger opening.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:8262-8456 observation first hand
118
A red light is switched on in Stewart Alexander's séances when the spirit communicators permit, and much has been witnessed this way, so the séances are not always in total darkness.
“A red light is switched on when the spirit communicators permit, and much has been witnessed this way during his séances—so they are not always in the dark.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:8465-8616 observation
119
David Fontana, after sitting with many mediums including Stewart Alexander, explained that many natural phenomena such as the germination of seeds, gestation in the womb, and the development of images on photographic plates take place in the absence of light or in the presence only of a dim red light.
“Researcher David Fontana, after sitting with many mediums including Stewart Alexander, explained that “many natural phenomena, such as the germination of seeds, gestation in the womb, and the development of images on photographic plates, take place in the absence of light or in the presence only of a dim red light.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:8763-9073 opinion second hand
120
Stewart Alexander's core belief is that the purpose of his mediumship is to allow spirit people to enter our world and demonstrate that we survive death.
“His core belief is that the purpose of his mediumship is to allow “spirit people” to enter our world and demonstrate that we survive death.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch38:922-1055 opinion second hand
121
In 2015, Leslie Kean asked Stewart Alexander if she could videotape the materialisation of Walter Stinson's hand using a small camera capable of shooting in the low red light used during his séances.
“Leslie Kean posed this question to me in 2015. She asked if she could videotape the materialization of Walter’s hand using a newly developed small camera that could shoot in the low red light we always have on for this experiment.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:10448-10667 observation first hand
122
Stewart Alexander seriously considered agreeing to Leslie Kean's request to videotape Walter Stinson's materialised hand, but decided against it because he judged it would throw his life and his circle into destructive turmoil and be problematic for his family.
“Knowing the nature of her book, I seriously considered throwing caution to the wind and agreeing to this. But upon reflection, I realized, as I have before, that this would throw my life, and that of the circle, into turmoil that would be destructive to the purpose of our circle and problematic for my family.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:10680-10983 opinion first hand
123
White Feather was Stewart Alexander's longtime spirit guide and was the first spirit control to make himself known to Stewart Alexander.
“My longtime guide White Feather was the first to make himself known to me.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:1099-1170 observation first hand
124
Stewart Alexander has spent almost fifty years studying the history of physical mediumship.
“I have spent almost fifty years involved in an exhaustive study of the history of physical mediumship.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:11077-11168 administrative first hand
125
Stewart Alexander considers that many known physical mediums who cooperated with researchers ultimately faced suspicions or allegations of fraud, even when genuine.
“Historic fact shows that many of the known physical mediums cooperated at some point with researchers. Yet this exposure ultimately led to suspicions or allegations of suspected fraud even for the genuine mediums.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:11180-11385 opinion first hand
126
Stewart Alexander first experienced White Feather's presence during a sitting at a home circle with only his brother and sister-in-law present, after sitting in the group for months without any phenomena occurring.
“I had been sitting for months with a small group, and nothing at all had happened. On one such occasion I was with only my brother and sister-in-law, and we sat with our hands on the table in front of us with a dim red light, as always.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:1174-1403 observation first hand
127
Stewart Alexander considers that the same pattern of cooperation followed by fraud allegations occurred from Eusapia Palladino to Eva Carrière and from Margery Crandon to Helen Duncan.
“This pattern has repeated itself from Eusapia Palladino to Eva C.; from Margery Crandon to Helen Duncan. They cooperated, and they all met the same fate.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:12003-12151 opinion first hand
128
Margery Crandon was, in Stewart Alexander's view, one of the most extraordinary physical mediums of the 1920s and 1930s and was subjected to vicious controversy after years of rigorous testing.
“Margery, one of the most extraordinary physical mediums of the 1920s and ’30s, was the subject of vicious controversy after subjecting herself to years of rigorous testing.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:12158-12322 opinion first hand
129
Stewart Alexander considers that Margery Crandon is today widely considered to have been a clever fraud who used her feminine charms to dupe male researchers, a characterisation he regards as a cruel and disgraceful injustice.
“today she is widely considered to have been a very clever fraud who used her feminine charms to dupe many a male researcher. The contemporary research world continues to ignore this cruel and disgraceful injustice.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:12541-12745 opinion first hand
130
Stewart Alexander believes the treatment of Margery Crandon ultimately led to her death through alcoholic poisoning.
“which ultimately led to the death of this courageous woman through alcoholic poisoning.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:12756-12833 opinion first hand
131
Stewart Alexander believes that at best, a film of Walter Stinson's materialised hand would show that paranormal action was real, but could be explained away as an abnormal physiological function unconsciously directed by himself, and would not be seen as proof of survival beyond death.
“At best, a film of Walter’s hand would show that paranormal action was a reality, but it could be explained away as an abnormal physiological function possessed by and unconsciously directed by myself. It would not be seen as anything close to proving survival beyond death.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:13680-13948 opinion first hand
132
Stewart Alexander was for many years invariably unconscious when the physical phenomena occurred in his séances, but eventually began to briefly regain consciousness at such times.
“For many years I was invariably unconscious when the physical phenomena occurred. Eventually, however, I began to briefly regain consciousness at such times.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:15604-15755 observation first hand
133
On regaining brief consciousness during séances, Stewart Alexander observed levitated trumpets gliding around the room.
“I was delighted to observe what, until then, I had only been told about—such as the levitated trumpets gliding around the room.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:15784-15906 observation first hand
134
Stewart Alexander is sometimes levitated in his chair above the heads of the sitters during séances.
“Sometimes I am levitated in my chair above the heads of the sitters—something I admit I do not like—and I wake up then.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:15912-16026 observation first hand
135
Stewart Alexander regained brief consciousness during phenomena partly so that sitters could hear his voice as confirmation he remained in his chair rather than covertly manipulating the séance trumpets elsewhere in the room.
“In hearing my voice the sitters have further confirmation that I am where I am supposed to be—in my chair and not several meters away fraudulently manipulating the séance trumpets or engaging in other covert activity.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:16118-16326 observation first hand
136
During this sitting, Stewart Alexander heard a voice in his left ear saying "Switch the light out; continue to sit," repeated over and over.
“Then suddenly I heard a voice—it was as clear as a bell, in my left ear. It said, “Switch the light out; continue to sit.” ... This voice continued to repeat, over and over again, like a loop on a tape.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:1615-1852 observation first hand
137
Stewart Alexander once witnessed a full range of physical manifestations while attending a séance with another physical medium, among a group of sixty sitters.
“Some years ago, I was able to witness a full range of physical manifestations while attending a séance with another physical medium. ... On this occasion, I was one of sixty sitters.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:16412-16624 observation first hand
138
Stewart Alexander considers that witnessing this séance as one of sixty sitters changed his life and that without it he might have remained unknown as a medium.
“These observations literally changed my life—without them, it is possible that I would have forever remained unknown.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:16545-16654 opinion first hand
139
Following this séance experience, Stewart Alexander felt a duty to sit before the public rather than remain a private medium, and began years of public demonstrations.
“I felt that it was a duty to sit before the public. And so began my years of public demonstrations.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:17287-17371 opinion first hand
140
Stewart Alexander regards the personal witnessing of Walter Stinson's hand materialisation at one of his public demonstration séances as the most wonderful phenomenon he ever personally observed.
“But regarding the materialization of the hand, I can only say that this was the most wonderful phenomenon I ever personally witnessed.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:17388-17512 opinion first hand
141
Stewart Alexander had heard repeatedly from sitters about Walter Stinson materialising his physical hand from a cloud of ectoplasm before personally witnessing it himself at a public demonstration séance.
“I had heard repeatedly from sitters about Walter materializing his physical hand from a cloud of ectoplasm, but never expected to see it myself. One memorable night I regained consciousness and there it was.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:17588-17791 observation first hand
142
Stewart Alexander had never written for any mainstream publications before writing this chapter.
“He has never written for any mainstream publications before, and this is a rare opportunity to hear from this unusual physical medium about his own experiences and unique perspective.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:180-351 administrative
143
While sitting as medium in a circle at Alan Crossley's home, Stewart Alexander and others observed a vase of flowers topple onto the floor from a window ledge, spilling water onto the carpet.
“we observed a window shade flapping in a breeze coming in from the open window, and the shade kept noisily hitting the back of a vase of flowers on the window ledge. Inevitably, the vase toppled over onto the floor. We all saw it, and water shot out all over the carpet.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:18332-18595 observation first hand
144
When Alan Crossley attempted to wipe up the spilled water at his home, he found the carpet was totally dry despite the pool of water having been there moments before.
“Alan immediately got a cloth and crouched down on the ground to wipe it up. But then he sat right up and laughed and said, “Come feel this, the carpet is totally dry!” It was thoroughly and completely dry, despite the pool of water that was there moments before.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:18603-18858 observation first hand
145
Six hours after the dry-carpet incident, in Alan Crossley's séance room, Stewart Alexander's spirit control Christopher offered a "present" and water suddenly fell, soaking everyone present.
“Six hours later in Alan’s séance room, I woke up during the sitting. Christopher, our young boy in the Spirit world who is still with us today, had said, “Do you want a present?” When everyone exclaimed yes, we heard a “whoosh” and all this water fell down and we were all soaked.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:18910-19183 observation first hand
146
Kath Matthews was a medium who became Stewart Alexander's first mentor.
“when I was with a group hosted by a wonderful medium called Kath Matthews (who was to become my first mentor)”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:19426-19528 administrative first hand
147
During a blank sitting with Kath Matthews's circle where nothing happened, the sitters found a small plastic animal on the floor in front of each circle member when the light was turned on, but nothing had been left for Kath Matthews herself.
“we had a blank sitting—nothing happened at all. When we turned on the light, there on the floor in front of each member of the circle was a little plastic animal—dogs, cats, cows, horses, etc.! But to our dismay, nothing had been left for Kath.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:19537-19776 observation first hand
148
During a séance, a sitter found a small plastic pink pig sitting on top of a book she had placed on her nightstand before falling asleep, after telling Stewart Alexander about a request made to the Spirit world.
“She told me that when she woke up in the morning, there was a little plastic pink pig sitting on top of the book that she had placed on her nightstand prior to falling asleep.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:20000-20168 testimony second hand
149
Stewart Alexander maintains that genuine physical phenomena alone do not prove communication with the departed.
“I have long maintained that genuine physical phenomena do not alone prove communication with the departed.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:20271-20368 opinion first hand
150
Stewart Alexander considers the evidential information transmitted at a physical séance, if beyond the medium's own knowledge while unconscious during the sitting, to be the true test of genuine mediumship.
“it is the evidential information transmitted at a physical séance that, in my view, is the absolute acid test of such mediumship. If this is beyond the knowledge of the medium, unconscious during the sittings, then surely this would forcefully suggest that an outside intelligence is indeed involved.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:20460-20751 opinion first hand
151
Stewart Alexander goes into a trance during his séances and has no conscious awareness of what occurs while he is in trance.
“I never knew what to say, especially since I had been in trance the whole time”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:21439-21513 testimony first hand
152
During the sitting later described as "Sitting where a grieving woman told Stewart Alexander 'Thank you for saving my life'", a woman travelled over 320 kilometres to attend a séance held at the home of Stewart Alexander's circle leader.
“a lady had traveled over two hundred miles to attend. We knew nothing about her other than the fact that she was evidently very sincere. Arriving at our circle leader's home that night”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:21812-21991 testimony first hand
153
Stewart Alexander's séances have been held at his circle leader's home for over thirty years as of the time of writing.
“in which the séances have been held now for over thirty years”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:21998-22054 testimony first hand
154
During the sitting later described as "Sitting where a grieving woman told Stewart Alexander 'Thank you for saving my life'", the woman came into communication with her deceased partner two hours into the séance, shortly before it ended.
“Two hours later and just prior to it ending the lady found herself in communication with her beloved partner, who, tragically, she had lost twelve months earlier.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:22232-22386 testimony first hand
155
During the sitting later described as "Sitting where a grieving woman told Stewart Alexander 'Thank you for saving my life'", the grieving woman's partner had died unexpectedly twelve months before the séance.
“she had lost twelve months earlier. Needless to say, none of us knew anything about this... We subsequently learned that she had been extremely close to her partner, who died unexpectedly”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:22359-22572 testimony second hand
156
During the sitting later described as "Sitting where a grieving woman told Stewart Alexander 'Thank you for saving my life'", the woman had been so devastated by her partner's death that she could not eat or sleep and had considered suicide.
“she was such a wreck that she couldn't eat or sleep and had considered suicide.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:22615-22686 testimony second hand
157
After the sitting later described as "Sitting where a grieving woman told Stewart Alexander 'Thank you for saving my life'", the woman embraced Stewart Alexander in the lounge and told him "Thank you for saving my life."
“Throwing her arms around me, she said the following: "Thank you for saving my life."”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:22949-23027 testimony first hand
158
When Stewart Alexander's brother switched off the red light during this first sitting with White Feather, Stewart Alexander felt every nerve and muscle in his body twitch and jump, and experienced something entering his body while he found himself outside it.
“At the moment the light went out, something approached me from behind. Whatever it was, as it came toward me, everything in my entire body, every nerve, every muscle, began to twitch and jump, and suddenly he was there—inside my body—and I was outside.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:2325-2569 observation first hand
159
Stewart Alexander has sat with the same mediumship development circle week after week for over thirty years.
“I have sat with the same group week after week, for over thirty years.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:23527-23591 testimony first hand
160
Stewart Alexander considers it essential for a mediumship development circle to meet regularly at a designated time, remain free of conflict, and be consistent and committed.
“The group must meet regularly at the designated time, be free of conflict, and be consistent and committed.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:23731-23828 opinion first hand
161
Stewart Alexander's personal mediumship journey commenced in 1968.
“My personal journey, which commenced in 1968, has not yet reached its end.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:24475-24545 testimony first hand
162
Stewart Alexander's spirit guide Freda told him "Your world is a world of illusion; our world is a world of ultimate reality."
“As our Spirit guide Freda has said, "Your world is a world of illusion; our world is a world of ultimate reality."”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:25767-25872 testimony first hand
163
Stewart Alexander then heard "himself" speaking from a distance the words "I come, speak, brother, sister" during this first controlled sitting.
“And then I heard “myself” talking from a distance: “I come, speak, brother, sister.””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:2578-2654 observation first hand
164
Freda has assured Stewart Alexander that individuality, personality, character, and memories are not lost when a person transitions to the world of ultimate reality after death.
“And she has assured us that we do not lose our individuality, personality, character, and our memories when we make that transition to the world of ultimate reality.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:25883-26040 testimony first hand
165
At the time of his first controlled sitting with White Feather, Stewart Alexander worked as a design engineer at a large international engineering company.
“The next morning I arrived at my office—at the time I was a design engineer at a large international engineering company—and the phone was ringing.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:3076-3215 administrative first hand
166
That first frightening séance was the only time Stewart Alexander was ever frightened in a séance room.
“Honestly, that was the first and the last time that I was ever frightened in a séance room. Never since.”
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167
Whenever White Feather controlled Stewart Alexander, his left hand would become almost deformed, curling in on itself as if from severe arthritis, though without pain.
“Whenever he did come, the first thing that would happen was that my left hand would become almost deformed. It would curl in on itself. It was as if I had severe, crippling arthritis, except it was not painful.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:3677-3879 observation first hand
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Stewart Alexander's persistent doubts about the authenticity of the voices communicating through him were finally relieved when he attended a séance with the English medium Leslie Flint in the early 1970s.
“My persistent doubts would finally be relieved when I attended a séance with the English medium Leslie Flint in the early 1970s.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:4942-5064 observation first hand
169
Leslie Flint was internationally celebrated in the early 1970s as one of the finest direct-voice mediums in the world, in whose presence the voices of the dead were heard speaking independently of him elsewhere in the room while he sat quietly in his chair.
“At that time, he was celebrated internationally as one of the finest “direct-voice” mediums in the world, in whose presence the voices of the dead were heard speaking independently of him in another part of the room as if coming out of the air, while he sat quietly in his chair.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:5071-5344 observation first hand
170
Leslie Flint's direct-voice ability was similar to that of Indridi Indridason.
“(This ability was similar to that of Indridi Indridason, as described in an earlier chapter.)”
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On some occasions Leslie Flint joined in with the conversations between the sitters and the voices of the dead.
“On some occasions Flint even joined in with the conversations.”
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During the third or fourth séance Stewart Alexander sat with Leslie Flint, he heard the voice of his grandmother speaking from the centre of the room.
“On the third or fourth time I sat with Leslie Flint, I encountered what I consider to be one of the milestones in my development. ... We had been sitting for over an hour when suddenly I heard the voice of my grandmother coming from the center of the room.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:5693-6008 observation first hand
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Stewart Alexander's grandmother had raised him, his brother, and his two sisters after their parents' marriage collapsed when Stewart Alexander was ten years old.
“She had been like a mother to me, my brother, and my two sisters, taking a central role in raising us following the collapse of our parents’ marriage when I was ten.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:6062-6223 administrative first hand
174
Stewart Alexander's grandmother died two or three weeks before the séance in which her voice spoke through Leslie Flint.
“On the day she passed over, just two or three weeks before that séance—a fact entirely unknown to Flint—I had sat alone with her at her hospital bedside.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:6228-6373 observation first hand
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Stewart Alexander sat alone with his unconscious grandmother at her hospital bedside on the day she died, holding her hand, and something passed between them that was known to no one else.
“I had sat alone with her at her hospital bedside. She had been unconscious but I had held her hand, and something had passed between us not known to anyone else.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:6332-6488 observation first hand
176
During the séance with Leslie Flint, the voice identified as Stewart Alexander's grandmother mentioned the private moment at her hospital bedside that was known only to her and Stewart Alexander.
“Suddenly, there in that small séance room a few weeks later, she mentioned this to me—something known only to me, on the earth, and to her, on the other side.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:6494-6647 observation first hand
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Stewart Alexander concluded from the manner of speech and specific words used that the voice heard in the séance belonged to his grandmother, proving to him that she had survived death.
“The way she said it, and certain words she used, were characteristic of her alone, and there was no question in my mind that this was she. Thus, she proved to me that she had survived death.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:6699-6883 opinion first hand
178
Stewart Alexander cannot be sure that the Spirit People who communicate through him are not simply aspects of his own unconscious mind.
“The fact is that I cannot be sure. That is a truthful answer.”
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179
After hearing his grandmother's voice through Leslie Flint, another voice began to speak that Stewart Alexander recognised as White Feather from recordings of his own séances.
“As I sat reflecting on that emotional conversation, suddenly, out of the darkness, another voice began to speak, and it was one that I knew only too well from recordings I had listened to of my own séances. It belonged to White Feather.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:7149-7377 observation first hand
180
Stewart Alexander believes that his many years working as a medium suggest that the Spirit controls are exactly who they claim to be: denizens from the next world.
“my many years working as a medium (private and public) in which countless people have interacted with these Spirit “controls” suggests forcefully to me that they are exactly who they claim to be: denizens from the next world.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:745-964 opinion first hand
181
During this séance, Stewart Alexander asked White Feather, speaking independently through Leslie Flint, whether he had had any kind of physical deformity during his earthly life.
“Suddenly the solution popped into my head, and I said, “Can I ask a question?” He said, “Yes,” and I inquired if, during his earthly life, he had had any kind of physical deformity.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:7739-7910 observation first hand
182
White Feather, speaking through Leslie Flint, replied to Stewart Alexander's question by immediately asking "Do you mean my left hand?", confirming the same left-hand deformity Stewart Alexander experienced when controlled by White Feather.
“Instantly, he replied: “Do you mean my left hand?””
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:7921-7965 observation first hand
183
Leslie Flint was a virtual stranger to Stewart Alexander who knew nothing of his mediumistic development at the time of this séance.
“The unalterable fact is that in that room—in the presence of Leslie Flint, who was a virtual stranger and knew nothing of my mediumistic development—the communicator had uttered just six potent words.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:8037-8231 observation first hand
184
Stewart Alexander's spirit team, whom he describes as close friends, consists of White Feather, Christopher, Freda, Walter Stinson, and Dr. Barnett, who became part of weekly sittings.
“In time, the “team” of Spirit People (White Feather, Christopher, Freda Johnson, Walter Stinson, and Dr. Barnett), who are now like close friends, became part of our weekly sittings.”
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185
Hundreds of séances conducted by Stewart Alexander's circle have been recorded.
“Hundreds of séances have been recorded and the love that the Spirit People radiate and express is palpable.”
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186
Stewart Alexander's physical manifestations rest upon the use of an energy substance referred to as ectoplasm, which the Spirit People use to manipulate objects and to partially or fully materialise.
“Also, the physical manifestations rest upon the use of an energy substance (referred to as ectoplasm), which the Spirit People use to manipulate objects and to partially or fully materialize.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:9350-9529 observation first hand
187
On occasions when a red light has been switched on during Stewart Alexander's séances, people in the room have observed ectoplasm attached to his body.
“there have been occasions when a red light has been switched on long enough for people in the room to observe the ectoplasm in action, while attached to my body.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:9594-9750 observation first hand
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When Walter Stinson materialises his hand during Stewart Alexander's séances, it emerges from a cloud of ectoplasm that is always visible in the red light.
“When Walter (our Spirit worker responsible for physical phenomena) materializes his hand, it comes from a cloud of ectoplasm that is always visible in the red light.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch39:9756-9915 observation first hand
189
Leslie Kean considers the séances with Stewart Alexander to have changed her life.
“And, as I stated previously, the séances with Stewart Alexander have changed my life.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch40:6631-6711 opinion first hand
190
Katie Halliwell wrote her three books on Stewart Alexander's mediumship during eleven years of observations within his home circle, including transcripts of séance excerpts from 1999 to 2010.
“They were written during her eleven years of observations within the circle, and include transcripts of séance excerpts from 1999–2010.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch41:67245-67375 administrative
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Leone Holdsworth's account of the séance's closing was written to Leslie Kean by email and confirmed by Stewart Alexander and members of his home circle.
“The account was written to me in an email by Leone and confirmed by Stewart and members of the Circle.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch41:70404-70499 administrative first hand
192
Kevin Kussow provided Leslie Kean a detailed written report on the book test conducted through Stewart Alexander on 2016-06-03, and Leslie Kean interviewed him by telephone on 2016-06-16.
“Kevin Kussow provided a detailed written report on the book test on June 3, 2016, and I interviewed him by telephone on June 16, 2016.”
Surviving Death 2017-03-07 ch41:70749-70878 administrative first hand
193
Stewart Alexander produced a double CD titled Physical Séance Room Recollections from his own audio archives of firsthand physical séance room accounts by people who sat with mediums of the past.
“Therefore I produced a double CD, Physical Séance Room Recollections, from my audio archives.”
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Whitley Strieber personally witnessed the levitation of "spirit trumpets" during the weekly private séance of British medium Stewart Alexander.
“I have personally witnessed the levitation of “spirit trumpets” during the weekly private séance of British medium Stewart Alexander.”
The Fourth Mind 2025-01-15 ch22:28923-29046 observation first hand
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During Stewart Alexander's séance, a levitating spirit trumpet came up to Whitley Strieber's face and rubbed itself against his nose.
“One of them lifted off the floor and came right up to my face. When I thought to myself, “This must be a trick,” it proceeded to rub itself against my nose, as if to rub my nose in my doubts!”
The Fourth Mind 2025-01-15 ch22:29057-29241 observation first hand
196
Whitley Strieber examined the room and the spirit trumpet both before and after Stewart Alexander's séance and could see it clearly in the dim red light turned on during the session.
“I examined the room and the trumpet both before and after the séance, and I could see it easily in the dim red light that was turned on during the session.”
The Fourth Mind 2025-01-15 ch22:29250-29397 observation first hand
197
The spirit trumpet used in Stewart Alexander's séance was not connected to wires and, being made of paper, could not have been manipulated by magnets.
“It was not connected to wires, and, as it was made of paper, could not have been manipulated by magnets.”
The Fourth Mind 2025-01-15 ch22:29406-29502 observation first hand
198
Stewart Alexander conducts his séances privately, with no money involved, and has been sitting with the same small group of people for over forty years.
“The reason is that Stewart conducts them privately. No money is involved, and he has been sitting with the same small group of people for years... to sit in a little room in the dark weekly for over forty years”
The Fourth Mind 2025-01-15 ch22:29570-29820 testimony first hand
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Whitley Strieber asserts that Stewart Alexander's séances do not involve trickery, as there is no motive for it.
“I would assert that, in fact, Stewart’s séance doesn’t involve trickery. There is no motive.”
The Fourth Mind 2025-01-15 ch22:30081-30166 opinion first hand