Finding the Right Development Circle

A practical guide for budding psychics and mediums

A good development circle is like a greenhouse: safe, steady, and designed for growth. The right space will help you practise regularly, receive kind feedback, and deepen trust in your intuition without pressure to “perform.” Here’s how to choose a circle that fits you—ethically, emotionally, and practically.

What is a development circle?

A development circle is a small, guided group that meets regularly to practise psychic or mediumistic exercises—often weekly or fortnightly. You’ll usually open with a short meditation, work in pairs or small groups, and close with reflections.

It’s not therapy, a stage show, or a place to fix someone’s life. The aim is skill-building, evidence-led practice, and service—held with care and boundaries.

Different types of circles

• Psychic circles focus on reading the energy of the living—auras, photos, ribbons, psychometry.

• Evidential mediumship circles emphasise contact with those in Spirit, prioritising evidence first (relationship, personality, memories), then a message.

• Trance/healing circles focus on altered states, healing intention, and deep blending—best after solid foundations elsewhere.

• Open vs closed: Open circles allow drop-ins; closed circles maintain the same members for a set period (often better for trust and progress).

• In-person vs online: Both can work beautifully. Online offers convenience and global tutors; in-person can make energy work and practical exercises easier.

Tip: Begin with a foundation circle (psychic or evidential) before exploring trance or healing.

Hallmarks of a healthy circle

Use this as your quick checklist:

1. Ethics, clearly stated – Consent-based practice; no medical, legal, or financial directives.

2. Safe structure – Grounded opening and proper closing, time-keeping, and a plan for each session.

3. Kind, specific feedback – What landed, what was vague, and how to sharpen evidence.

4. Boundaries – Confidentiality, opt-out options, no surprise readings, sober space.

5. Steady leadership – A facilitator who is calm, transparent about training, and open to questions.

6. Right-sized group – 6–12 people is common; very. large groups make meaningful practice harder.

7. Diversity & inclusion – Welcoming across ages, cultures, abilities; language is respectful and trauma-aware.

8. Transparent costs – Clear fees (if any), timings, cancellation policy.

9. Progress over performance – Evidence and technique matter more than theatrics.

10. After-care culture – Water, grounding, gentle debrief, and encouragement to journal.

    
    

Questions to ask before you join

• What is the circle’s focus (psychic, evidential mediumship, healing, trance)?

• Is it open or closed? For how long? How many participants?

• What does a typical session look like? (Opening, exercises, closing.)

• How is feedback given? (Specific, kind, and constructive?)

• What are the ethics? (Consent, safeguarding, confidentiality.)

• Who leads it? What’s their training background?

• What’s expected of me? Attendance, homework, fees, code of conduct.

  
  

A closed circle may allow you to trial to see if there is synergy between your's and the circle's energy. Energetic synergy is important for altered states/trance circles.

Red flags (walk away kindly)

• Pressure to prove yourself, “tests” that shame, or fear-based control.

• Grandiose claims (e.g., “only we have the real method,” “100% accuracy”).

• No ethics statement; casual advice on health, legal, or financial matters.

• No closing protocol; participants left ungrounded or distressed.

• Guru dynamics, secrecy, or discouraging questions.

• Breaches of confidentiality or gossip about sitters.

• Substance use before/during circle.

It's important to develop in a space that feels safe, steady, and respectful.

Try-before-you-join: a simple plan for open circles

1. Attend one taster session. Notice your body’s cues before/after.

2. Journal three things:

   • Did I feel welcomed and regulated?

   • Was feedback specific and kind?

   • Did the structure support learning?

3. Sleep on it. If your system feels calmer and quietly encouraged, it’s a good sign.

How to prepare for your first visit

• Rest and hydrate. Clear perception needs a steady body.

• Set an intention: “I’m here to learn with kindness and boundaries.”

• Bring a notebook, pen and water to help you ground when closing.

• Etiquette: arrive on time, phones silent, no reading others without consent, and keep feedback factual (evidence) and gentle.

  
  

If you’re joining online from the Southern Hemisphere

Online circles may run to UK/US time—check if the time zone supports your energy and routine. There are good online circles that run from Australia for people in the Southern Hemisphere facilitated by a reputable Australian tutor from Arthur Findlay College.

After-care and growth

• Journal evidence hits/misses and how impressions arrived (image, word, feeling).

• Integrate with a short walk, snack, or shower.

• Review monthly: Where am I clearer? What needs support?

• Pause when needed: If you feel persistently ungrounded or anxious, step back and speak to your facilitator or a suitable professional. Spiritual practice should leave you more present, not less. If you are experiencing deep distress or grief in your general life, it can be healthy to break from your development momentarily and heal.

The right development circle feels safe, kind, and quietly stretching. You’ll know it by the steadiness of the space, the clarity of its ethics, and the way you leave: a little calmer, a little braver, and clearer about how to serve. Trust your instincts, ask good questions, and remember—you’re allowed (and are supposed) to go slowly. That’s how accurate, grounded practitioners are created.