William Stainton Moses: OverviewWilliam Stainton Moses (1839–1892), born William Moseyn in Donnington, Lincolnshire, England, was an influential Anglican priest, educator, and prominent spiritualist medium in the late 19th century. He is best known for his automatic writing, which he claimed channeled teachings from a spirit guide, forming the basis of his seminal work Spirit Teachings (1883). Moses bridged Christianity and spiritualism, challenging orthodox doctrines through his experiences, and co-founded the London Spiritualist Alliance (now the College of Psychic Studies). His work influenced early psychical research but faced skepticism and accusations of fraud from contemporaries like the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), of which he was an early vice-president.His Spirit Teacher: ImperatorMoses's primary spirit teacher was a discarnate entity named Imperator (full title: Imperator Servus Dei, meaning "Commander, Servant of God"). This guide first communicated through Moses's automatic writing in late 1872, shortly after Moses discovered his mediumistic abilities. Imperator claimed to be the leader of a hierarchical "band of 49 spirits" operating from the "seventh sphere" (a high spiritual plane), with a collective mission to reveal divine truths, reform religious thought, and guide humanity toward enlightenment.Nature and Role: Imperator described himself as a high-ranking spirit, possibly a former Roman general or philosopher (though identities were symbolic rather than literal historical figures). He emphasized discernment between "God's truths" and "man's glosses," often correcting Moses's Christian biases. Communications covered theology, the afterlife, reincarnation (initially rejected by Moses but later accepted), prayer, skepticism, and the mechanics of spirit influence. Imperator's messages were direct, authoritative, and philosophical, urging Moses to compile them for publication.
How Communication Occurred: Starting in 1872, Moses experienced trance states and automatic writing during private séances, often with trusted witnesses like Dr. and Mrs. Speer. Scripts appeared without conscious effort, sometimes in Moses's handwriting or as "independent writing." Imperator introduced the process, stating: "I am the leader of this band, and through me you will receive instruction." This evolved into over 3,000 sittings, documented in notebooks that survive today.
Key Teachings from Imperator (via Spirit Teachings):Afterlife Structure: Spirits progress through spheres or planes, with the seventh being a realm of advanced teachers. Reincarnation exists but is not universal; souls evolve through multiple lives or spirit-world advancement.
Jesus and Religion: Jesus was a highly evolved spirit, not uniquely divine; organized religion distorts truths, and spiritualism offers direct communion with the divine.
Mediumship and Phenomena: True mediumship requires purity and faith; physical manifestations (e.g., levitation, apports like scents or objects) are tools for belief, not ends in themselves.
Human Purpose: Life's goal is spiritual growth through love, knowledge, and service; skepticism is a barrier, but honest doubt is welcomed.
Historical Context and LegacyMoses initially resisted spiritualism, dismissing mediums like Daniel Dunglas Home as "dreary twaddle." His first séance in 1872 with Lottie Fowler changed that, leading to self-discovered abilities like levitation and clairvoyance within months. He published under the pseudonym "M.A. (Oxon.)" (referencing his Oxford master's degree) to protect his clerical career, authoring Spirit Identity (1879), Psychography (1882), and More Spirit Teachings (1892, posthumous).Critics, including SPR investigators like Frederic W.H. Myers, noted Moses's controlled séance conditions and reluctance for scientific scrutiny, leading to fraud allegations (e.g., phosphorized oil for "spirit lights"). Defenders, like Ernesto Bozzano, argued his phenomena were genuine. Moses joined the Theosophical Society briefly, and Imperator's identity was debated in the Mahatma Letters (communications to Helena Blavatsky).Today, Moses is studied in parapsychology for his detailed records, influencing modern channeling practices and New Age thought. His teachings remain accessible in reprints of Spirit Teachings, offering timeless insights into spirit communication despite the era's controversies.