A Spiritist since 1999, Giseti Marques Teodoro (photo) is a writer with a degree in Business Administration from the city of Sousa, in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. She lives in Matão, in the state of São Paulo, where she works in the Marketing Department of the well-known Spiritist publishing house O Clarim. In this interview, she speaks about her experience with Spiritist talks and books. 

When and how did you become a Spiritist? 

I was brought up as a Catholic and went to a girls Catholic school, educated by nuns. But from a very young age I had questions that Catholicism failed to answer. As I always liked reading, I began reading Spiritist books recommended by a friend and have never stopped. I then joined a Spiritist Group where I was able to study the core works of Allan Kardec and I keep studying them to this day, fascinated by the wealth of knowledge provided by its three aspects: science, philosophy and religion. 

How many books have you published? 

I have published five books, four of them by O Clarim: Sophia, a Rainha do Povo (Sophia, the Queen of the People); A Viagem, uma Busca pela Verdade (The Journey, in Search of the Truth); O Escritor, uma História de Amor (The Writer, a Love Story) and A Paranormal (The Paranormal). Another one was published by Boa Nova: Quando o Amor Triunfa (When Love Triumphs). They are all novels. Some are historic novels, others are about our days. They are written in the third person, in a clear and direct language and, even though they are Spiritist novels, they are not psychographic books. They have a Spiritist content, but I have written them in a way that even without the religious aspect people will be able to enjoy the stories and learn something. 

What is A Viagem (The Journey) about? 

It is a historic novel. The story happens in the XIX Century in England and Russia. After the mysterious death of his brother, who is a member of a secret organisation, the Eagles, Anne decides to travel to Russia to try to find the answers to her questions. But she finds a lot more than that. The novel has information about sects, rituals, mediumship and many other issues that readers are interested in. It is a very good story indeed.  

Where does that love for writing come from? 

As I loved reading from a very young age, I always wanted to put on paper the creative ideas I had. As I teenager I joined arts groups, the theater and dance groups and that prompted me to write for the first time when I was 16 the lines of a story that I would never finish… But when I found Spiritism that desire to write came back stronger, backed up by the knowledge of the Teachings, which would make my works richer. I began and have never stopped and I don’t intend to. 

How about your experience with talks? 

It also came naturally, perhaps brought up by the need to introduce the books. I began coordinating study groups in the Spiritist Centre I went to. Then the invitations began to arrive and that has never stopped. 

What is your most striking memory of all your years in Spiritism? 

I have many good memories. I didn’t find Spiritism through pain, as they say, but attracted by the need to know more. So, my soul was illuminated every time I found the answer to one of my questions. After studying the basic works of Kardec, I found the works of André Luiz. And the sweet, humble and beautiful figure of Chico Xavier has always been a great reference, as well as that of Cairbar Schutel, a Spirit that has influenced me a great deal and whom I have the honour of calling a friend. When I began writing “again” I was deeply moved by a dream. I dreamt of Chico Xavier, who spoke about the responsibility each author has in their hands when they publish a book, whatever they are. And to this day I try to honour every word I have heard from him, despite being still a very imperfect Spirit. 

Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers? 

Through the study of Spiritism I have learned to know me a bit better and to understand my role in the world. And I try to find knowledge through the books, which I consider a crucial tool for anyone who wants to improve in any field. And in Spiritism I have learned that no religion is better or right. People, individuals make the difference where they are. No one is better or worse than others. What we have is people who use their conscience to benefit themselves and other people, and they become references for the others. I have learned that love exists and that all we need to do is to plant and water it inside us every day, through our spiritual development, instead of trying to change other people. 

What are your final thoughts? 

I am an incorrigible optimist, so my final words have to be about hope. Never give up, feed your dreams and faith inside each one of us. Our model and guide, Jesus, taught us that we are gods and that each one is responsible for them. Accept others and respect them as they are. That constitutes a rational and balance way of life. Do not allow any idea to become a part of you before it is tested by reason, but understand that many people have different ideas and they are not necessarily wrong. Peace and light to everyone. May Our Father the creator bless each one of his children.