College course dangerous, says exorcist (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

College course dangerous, says exorcist

AN exorcist is urging people to stay away from Cirencester College's latest course because he says it's too dangerous and fears students could become possessed.

But the lecturer claims there is nothing to fear and that the classes could actually dispel some of the fears associated with the spirit world.

The college plans to hold a course in clairvoyance and mediumship at its atmospheric Castle campus in Cecily Hill.

The course, held by acclaimed clairvoyant Sharon Cound, will cover everything from manifestation to 'ghostbusting'.

But the news has sent shivers down the spine of the clergy.

And the exorcist for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton, which covers the Cotswolds, says people should stay away from the course to avoid harm.

The priest, who didn't wish to be named but is widely experienced in ridding people and buildings of evil spirits, said: "This is really dangerous. You just don't know what you're really getting.

"In the course of my work as an exorcist I have seen people involved in this sort of thing get really affected.

"I had two referrals from the city of Bristol who had used the same practitioner and had been damaged. They felt something had latched onto them because of it.

"It's inadvisable and I'm very surprised it's happening at a college. To actually call spirits up is stupid."

Ms Cound will run the two-hour classes for five weeks starting in November.

The college claims the Gloucester-based clairvoyant has helped many people throughout the UK pass on messages from their deceased love ones.

She also serves spiritualist churches and centres and has appeared on stage to help the spirit world communicate with the audience.

The exorcist added: "It's so dangerous because of what could happen to the people afterwards. They should not treat this as fun - they're playing with something dangerous and damaging.

"The church as whole would say stay clear of it."

But Ms Cound says the classes are perfectly safe and that they will be based around lectures of her own experiences rather than actively summoning spirits.

She says she is also protected by 'good guides' high-up within the spirit world.

She said: "The course is simply a series of two-hour lectures.

"The intention is to give people some understanding of the work I do and to answer any questions they might have about their own experiences. "It's absolutely, perfectly safe."

While college vice principal Desna McAll added: "The role of the college is to open up opportunities for people to be educated.

"We're offering this course, which is aimed at adults, in a safe environment and it's something people want to explore.

"I would be more than happy for the exorcist to be involved at the end of the course if people do have issues."

The course starts on November 2. For more details contact Janet Hancock on 01285 653961.