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In a very readable, sensible manner unclouded by vague jargon or dogmatic faith, he explains the range of psychic abilities and characteristics of mediums. Larry agreed to talk with us about this new book, spirituality and general, and his future projects...

[PNN] Why did you feel this book needed to be written?

[LD] Because I felt that, especially under direct spirit guidance (they pushed hard), needed to inform people that it is critical and essential to lead a spiritual life here and now; this life we have is a learning process in this "school house." I also did't want the traditional craft of Mediumship to disappear.

Larry Dreller (Photo courtesy of Weiser Books)

[PNN] Do you need to be involved with a spiritualist group to benefit from this book?

[LD] No, but it is a wonderful thing to be able to participate with other like-minded individuals for the benefit of refinement, polish and information exchange; learning this craft comes from a direct spiritual exchange of ideas and practices.

[PNN] How did you become involved in spiritualism initially?

[LD] The knowledge of my gift came when I was a teenager, then pow! I opened, even in confusion, with nobody able to assist me in understanding what I had. In my early twenties at university a graduate student who came from generations of seance mediums mentored me in the practical applications of these gifts.

[PNN] Many people in the West who have studied this for a while have reported a disproportionate number of American Indians serving as spirit guides. Why do you think this is so?

[LD] I've always believed that certain Native Americans have had that certain, special spiritual connection, perhaps because they have been/are closer to the environment and the real heart beat of Mother Earth. I have met others through the years that have had Native American spirit guides, but I never have had even one.

[PNN] Can you describe one of the more intriguing experiences you have had during a seance?

[LD] There have been many intriguing seance experiences. I have tranced spirits through and have actually manifested several into the seance room in front of sitters--especially when I was intensely focused in trance. In both of my books I touch on some rather intense and exciting experiences.

[PNN] Many people become disheartened that they are unable to 'see' ectoplasm or spirits or indeed feel anything out of the ordinary during spiritualist circles. How can they develop their senses more effectively?

[LD] By working at meditation on a DAILY basis (the door to the other side, laced with intense focus, belief and faith, and not using the session as a parlor game, it should happen. Ectoplasm is very rare and incredible to see. I've only seen it twice in my life, and only through much older mediums--an almost lost art from the past. There are many books and some spiritualist courses that should be taken for spiritual unfoldment. It certainly does not happen overnight.

[PNN] Can you recommend any good organizations or web sites to people that are interested in learning more about mediumship and spiritualism?

[LD] Metaphysical book stores and their bulletin boards; also esoteric books in the back sometimes have names, addresses, telephone numbers. The most informative web sites are: the National Spiritualist Association of Churches ,www.lilydale.com, and the International Spiritualist Federation.

[PNN] This is your second book, a Beginner's guide to mediumship being the first. Do you have any other projects lined up?

[LD] No, not really. I keep pretty busy as an assistant pastor at a spiritual science church, hiking, fishing, fitness center, Chinese caligraphy, reading, etc. As I said before, I wrote these books under spiritual guidance, and for the benefit of all. Two books are enough.

[PNN] What would you say has been your greatest achievement to date?

[LD] This is a hard one, but being a husband, father, sailor, college graduate, author, reverend, youth counselor and seance medium (none in order) has kept me jumping!

[PNN] If you could go back in your life and change one thing, what would it be?

[LD] My God! No idea! But, it's been a great ride!

[PNN] How would you want to be remembered?

[LD] As a kind and loving person, one who helped in spreading the faith of Spiritualism.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite author? who?

[LD]William Shakespeare, many Zen authors and writers, Omar Khayyam, and so many others.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite artist? who?

[LD]All of the French Impressionists, classical Greeks, and unknown ancient Egyptian artists.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite group/musician?

[LD] So much of Classical music, Enya, Eric Clapton, and the Beatles.

[PNN] Do you have a favorite bumper sticker?

[LD] "Question Reality"

[PNN] If you drew a picture to represent your mind, body and spirit, what would you draw?

[LD] An Oak Tree with Fall colors.