Sarah Tyler-Walters is one of the UK's leading trance mediums, known for her decades-long connection with Master Chou, the Chinese sage who speaks through her in an altered state of trance. Sarah trained at The College of Psychic Studies, and her work with Master Chou has since grown into a partnership spanning over two decades, helping people around the world navigate everything from relationships and life direction to grief and spiritual growth.
In this interview, Sarah shares how Master Chou first came through during her training, what trance mediumship actually feels like from the inside, and how humour and wisdom work together in his approach to helping people find their way back to themselves.
Can you describe the moment Master Chou first came through?
As a trance medium, my job is to be out of it, so in an altered state and unaware of what is being said, etc. So my understanding of Master Chou's first encounter is based on what I was told. While I was training at The College of Psychic Studies, under the tutelage of Elisabeth Roberts and then Robin Winbow, I was aware of an Asian gentleman standing in the background. People often commented on being aware of him; one of the fun aspects of training somewhere like the College is that a large percentage of people you meet have some ability or affinity with Spirit.
I moved quite quickly from Elisabeth's classes to Robin's advanced class, and after my first advanced class with Robin, he asked me to come early the following week and meet his Advanced/Professional class (an invite-only group). I was a bit shocked by this, but you didn't say no to Robin. So I dutifully turned up, not knowing what to expect, and met his small group of students. Robin asked me to go into the Trance Cabinet (the first time I had seen one of those) and 'do what I do'. So, I did. And Master Chou stepped forward, introduced himself to the class (this is how I got to know his name), and he spoke with them for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, the students and Robin talked about him. Robin then talked privately to these students and invited me into that group starting the following week. Chou had clearly made quite the impression.
You've been working with Master Chou for many years. How has that relationship changed over time for you as the trance medium?
Like most relationships, it has deepened over the years, with more awareness of each other, which I know sounds a bit odd, but in the beginning, we were learning how to work together. After over 20 years, I know the work has changed; the depth of what he talks about, the connection between us, is so much deeper. I often joke with students that we have been together longer than most marriages, and there is definitely a possessiveness to the relationship – it is exclusive. Master Chou only works with me.
What does Master Chou want people to know about him?
Master Chou is careful about how much he tells people about his lifetimes; there have been thousands of them. The time he walked on Earth is about 250-350 BC. I know he was a sage who loved to live to 102 and has that we still read his teachings even today. He was considered a Master in his time but uses the title as a personal joke, a reminder to himself that life is never mastered as there is always more to learn, more to experience.
His reason for communicating is much as it was when he was a sage, to assist in having this human incarnation. In being our true selves, walking our path, learning our lessons with ease, flow, and grace. Having experienced thousands of human incarnations, he understands what it is to be here, to deal with emotions, lessons, pain, and joy. Moreover, those countless lifetimes have each taught him something which is brought to the communication. Master Chou is the persona the Spirit Being chooses to communicate through rather than one of the other lifetimes.
What happens to you when you go into trance and when you come back afterwards?
The easiest way for people new to trance work is to think of it like going to sleep but without dreaming. For me, I am not aware of being somewhere, though I have some spatial awareness; sounds are all muffled, much like when you are in a large crowd, the voices become indistinct, just a noise. This is because Master Chou is very physical and often moves the chair, touches things, and even has in the past held people's hands when he is talking to them. Because of that, I need that bit of awareness so the touch does not bring my consciousness to quickly, which can be harmful.
Some people encountering trance mediumship for the first time have questions about a Western medium channelling a spirit presented as Chinese. What would you say to someone sitting with that discomfort?
The persona that Spirit chooses reflect humanity's beliefs and understandings. If you look at Spirit Communicators (sometimes referred to as Controls) who come through trance mediums, there are a lot of wise Chinese gentlemen. This is because of the associations humanity makes; historically, we have guidance from people that represent our idea of wise. The Chinese Sage, Native American, etc. Many of the Spirit Communicators who have come through have been male, as that was a social bias within humanity.
Spirit aims to remove as many barriers to us listening to the wisdom as possible. Master Chou's last lifetime ended around the time of the Second World War; Johnny was about 12 when he passed. If Johnny stepped forward to talk to you about your trauma, life struggles, and directions, would you listen? Would you think he could understand?
We have ideas and beliefs, generalisations about types of people, and this affects who we trust and who we would listen to. Gradually, this is changing, and more diverse personas and more female personas are stepping forward as audiences are more open to listening to them and stepping away from these unconscious biases.
In the UK, we have a long history of world-renowned trance mediums and quite a few brought through Chinese sages such as Ivy Northage with Chan. Master Chou and I agreed to work together prior to my birth, knowing I would be born in the UK, where there is a rich history with trance and a place where I could develop and freely work. The match was based on my ability to allow him such access and humanity's comfort with the Chinese sage persona. We fit together based on our vibration and spiritual development; we fit like two pieces of a puzzle.
In truth, the question makes me sad. Chou and I would never want to make someone uncomfortable because I am a Westerner, and he is not. For Chou and me, I am a Soul having a human experience, and he is a Spirit Being aiming to assist humanity. I am his vessel, and here, now is where he work is needed, and we can be heard.
Master Chou is described as having humour alongside his wisdom. How does that balance show up?
Master Chou has commented that he laughed everyday when he walked the Earth as Chou and that is why he lived to be 102. Master Chou understands the power of laughter as medicine. Moreover, it breaks down barriers, it relaxes people, it creates a space for listening. This why lectures and speeches often start with a joke, an ice breaker, psychologically we relax and then we are more receptive and attentive.
But it is more than that for Chou, it is also the medicine side, laughter changes your energy and your mood. When talking to an audience whether than is answering questions or delivering a lecture, some of the conversation and information will be heavy, perhaps emotional or trauma based - laughter helps to lift people, allowing them to hear more and feels the resonance of the words within themselves. If you are sitting in anxiety or fear that will make your own discernment harder, it might stop you from asking a questions which Chou could possibly help with.
Having humour does not mean Chou does not take the serious questions seriously, in fact people often comment how carefully he handles difficult subjects. It is about balance, light and shade. Master Chou does not use his humour to mock or humiliate, he uses humour to relax an audience or individual so they forget they are talking to disincarnate Spirit and just engage with the conversation and the healing the words can bring.
What kinds of questions do audiences most often want to ask Master Chou?
Again, I am out of it and have no memory but I have recorded session and people like to tell about what is asked. Over the years he has been asked about pretty much everything from finding love to finding a treatment for a disease. He has spoken to people who have experience deep trauma to people who want to change the World. All walks of life, all kinds of jobs and interests. His work aims to bring us back to us, to let the Soul lead our lives as it is designed too, to step back on to the path and be in flow.
People often ask about relationships, jobs, raising children and moving home. He has a good hit rate with helping people to sell their homes. People have asked about world affairs, how to cope in the chaotic times, is A.I a good thing and so on. Many come to talk about mediumship, Spirituality, how to mediate better, connect to their Soul or Spirit Guides or are they a healer.
Master Chou does not know everything, no Spirit does. He can not predict your future, that is for you to create. However, he can help you to see what is going on with more clarity, he can help you navigate your life and step back into flow. He has helped many with healing childhood trauma and being more in authentic. He acts as mirror, a sounding board, a teacher and a wise Sage.
His role is not to tell you what to do, rather it is to help you connect with your inner knowing and see that you have the power to do what you need to do.
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