Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer, authors of Opening To Channel, describe channeling "as a powerful means of spiritual unfoldment and conscious transformation. With channeling you can access all the ideas, knowledge, and wisdom that is and ever will be known." They explain that "as you channel you build a bridge to the higher realms. You access these higher realms by connecting with a high-level guide or your higher self."

I began channeling in the early eighties when I was asking for guidance. I wrote a letter to myself, addressing the "knowing", wise, intuitive part of me for some insight. I posed a question and a response began formulating in my head. The ideas poured in so quickly that I had difficulty getting them on the paper. When the letter concluded the signature read "Council of Twelve". I continued to write and pose questions when I needed another perspective and each time I was elated when the Council would respond. Sometimes the signature read "Council of Twelve + 1" or "Council of Twelve -2". I began asking questions about my Council. I was told that they had an agreement with me to serve as wise counsel and that when they were unable to answer my questions they would consult with someone who could.

Over time I began to trust their wisdom and soon I was posing questions for others. In an effort to save time and make the process more efficient I asked if I could relay the messages directly to the querant. A question would be posed and I would repeat the answers I would hear instead of writing them down. My Council would usually begin with a joke or pun of some kind, explaining that laughter lightens the energy and opens the lines of communication. I would usually begin with a "disclaimer" not wanting credit for their sense of humor! Again to make the process more efficient I began seeing small groups of people at one time. It was during one of these meetings that the Council decided to speak directly through me. A spokesperson for the Council began to use my voice box to address the group directly. He spoke with a distinctive accent and used vocabulary and cadence very different from mine. Years later a querant told me that the Council uses primarily Latin based root words! Now I begin sessions with a disclaimer for the jokes AND an explanation that my Council may be sharing their wisdom directly.

Each channeling session begins with the affirmation "I am a clear and perfect channel for God's light and love." A group session begins with a chakra meditation to balance and harmonize the group energy. The Council usually begins by addressing the group, followed by responses to individual questions. The goal is to provide insight and offer suggestions that allow querants to release limiting beliefs so that they can create what they want. I believe that the future is not predestined but is created in each moment by the thoughts we hold. To change the experiences in our outer world we need to change the inner landscape.

My guides have shared that my purpose here on earth is to be a catalyst for change by transmitting ideas. Channeling is a vehicle that allows me to be that. I have recently begun teaching others how to channel. Like the authors of Opening to Channel, I believe that "channeling is a skill that can be learned." "Channeling will give you the wise teacher you seek, one who comes from within rather than without.