Sara Hashash
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PRINCESS Martha Louise of Norway has shocked the nation by announcing she is a clairvoyant and wants to teach people how to communicate with angels.
Last week, the 35-year-old princess launched Astarte Education, a centre offering courses in spiritual and alternative therapy which she co-founded with a friend, Elisabeth Samnoy.
The princess said she realised as a child that she could read people’s inner feelings, but only developed the ability to talk with angels when, as a keen show jumper, she dealt closely with horses and learnt to connect on a “deeper level with animals”.
Writing on the centre’s website Martha Louise described angels as “forces that surround us” and “a help in all aspects of our lives”. She declared her desire to share her important psychic “gift” with other people; by offering a three-year training programme at a cost of £2,000 a year.
But her spiritual techniques have provoked outrage among churchgoers over her new age beliefs. The Lutheran Mission has even called for her resignation from the state church.
Concerns have also been raised that the princess, who is a certified physiotherapist, is mis-using her position as a health professional.
Lars E Hanssen, Norway’s director of health, warned she should be “very careful” about how she used her physiotherapy credentials in marketing healing and alternative therapy courses.
The princess, who is the only daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, is fourth in line to the throne.
After her marriage she gave up her title of royal highness, renounced her royal allowance and started to pay income tax. She set up an entertainment business and began a career as a children’s writer.
The king and queen, who are away on holiday, have said nothing publicly about their daughter’s latest business venture. A palace spokesman refused to comment on the princess’s private commercial affairs.
She caused a stir in 2002 when she married an author, Ari Behn, whose lifestyle earned him a reputation as a party animal and “a bouncer’s nightmare”.
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Just because I have never talked to an angel or read anyone's inner feelings (that I know of) does NOT mean that someone else doesn't have the ability. A patient from Tibet once told me that one can become "really brave" by facing their fears and spending the night in the cemetary. I asked what fears, and he said "fears of ghosts". I laughed and said I didn't believe in ghosts. He pointed out that just because I personally have never seen a million dollars isn't proof that it doesn't exist. Let the Princess alone! She's a sharp & very caring woman (I've met her), and does anyone have solid proof that she doesn't have those abilities? I say if she says she can, she probably can (she is not a flake). Also, good for her for wanting to make her own way and not be given a royal handout. I respect that, and shame on those for saying she uses her royal position. How can she do anything without people knowing? They watch her like a hawk - that's not using a position!
Dr. Donna Bergh, Stillwater, MN USA
She "renounced her royal allowance" ?????
OF COURSE SHE'S CRAZY!
Adam, Bombay, India,
I'm glad the princess had the courage to announce her beliefs to the world. Now if only she'll have the courage to admit she's crazy. Though I guess at least she's still not as embarassing as Fergie.
Waldo K. Cornbread, Akron, OH
Hang in there Marta Louise! The Princess of Norway says she can teach people to come in contact with angels, well good for her! People should be open minded to someone who is trying to make a difference in the world. Unless she is proven to be a fraud and is hurting people, then people who are attacking her should look the other way and mind their own business. There are many religious hypocrits in this world who deserve negative publicity and should be put in jail(some are even high up in politics and have started wars based their religious beliefs), not to mention names! But the princess has done no harm! So give her a chance to help people who would like to develop similar skills and concentrate on the real bad guys who are misusing religion and are causing mayhem in the world!
Kim Christensen, New York, USA
I congratulate the Princess for having the courage to announce the fact that the Angels talk with her to the world. I know, from personal experience, that this can be a very difficult thing to do.
I also applaud her for being true to herself and using her gifts, skills and talents to make the world a better place.
Catherine Kasper, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Men and Women have down through history have communicated with Angels you must test the Spirits to see if they are from God or Satan after all Zacharriah spoke to an Angel, Mary spoke to an Angel Peter spoke to an Angel in the empty tomb of Jesus if we are to believe Muhamed he spoke to and Angel as well also Joseph Smith was supposed to have spoke to the Angel Moroni. So keep an open mind but test the Spirits Jesus said that Satan would pose as an Angel of Light.
Sandy Sanderson, Cincinnati, USA Ohio
The princess is lost,by that I mean,she does not know Christ as her personal savior. The Holy Bible instructs believers to test the spirits. If it is not of God,then don't go there. It appears that she is talking to angles,but beware. The scripture also reveals that satan can appear as an angel of light.He (satan) is the great deceiver and master liar.
Kevin Canfield, Cincinnati, U.S.A.
We're having a problem with our Summit rate feed. Does the princess have enough unworldly skills to helps us out.
Thanks
Marty, Damiff, USA
Well, more likely than not this is quackery of the first degree. In which case of course the church is going to want her out, she'll lessen their public image.
On the off chance this isn't quckery, of course the church is going to want her out; organized religion is about power, not spirituality. Leaders of organized religions have long kept access to the divine as thier sole province so that the ignorant masses can remain ignorant, and thus easier to control.
As for what I believe... I think she's either a quack or delusional. I do, however, conceed that there is a chance this is indeed the real thing.
Intel Soldier, Darmstadt, Germany, Hessen
She has every right to make her living in the best possible way. My mother was also a clairvoyant and managed to bring home so much needed extra money for many years. Putting aside my usual modesty, she was an extremely beautiful and brilliant woman and she still gets in touch from time to time (from the hereafter). The time is ripe for us to open up to the world our most innermost thoughts. Cheers for the beautiful princess and God may help all of us!
Gerardo Javier Gálvez Arellano, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.
Or listening to ABBA.
Eugene, Heidelberg, germany
Probably because they didn't sanction her to be able to do that. She probably needs to get permission somehow otherwise she's breaking their rules.
Pete, Brisbane, Australia
The church has called for her resignation, why? Do they not believe in angels? Or do they not believe angels communicate with people? Surely they should be happy to endorse her contact with such beings, after all is this not what is preached in the bible? Or are they admitting that they've been making it up?
Rob, Birmingham, UK
The President talks with God.
Ahmadinejad talks with Mohamed.
So...................................................
The Princess talks with Angels
Good for her.
JSC, Denver,
Peace Nobel Peace Prize laureates should endorse her for a Nobel Peace Prize. She certainly has their kind of credentials. She has not done a thing to foster world peace and harmony. She is exemplary of the typical Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Leslo, NYC, NY
The Princess is on the right track. There is a global discontent, in my opinion, with religious doctrine. More and more people are looking for a meaningful spiritual connection. Paths to all that exists beyond our feeble perception has been sought after and taught, out of the spotlight, for many years. But dogmatic belief systems have always denied and thwarted the search for any other path. She will no doubt face an uphill battle. If she can stay focused on what is genuine and meaningful, in the midst of her opposition, she'll offer a valuable service.
RKS, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Sounds like a Norwegian nutcase is on the loose. Time to call mental health and the loony catchers.
Scott, Durham, NC, USA