Victorian Spiritualism

A Livestream Class with Bryan Peters

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Victorian Spiritualism: Séances, Spirits, and the Beyond

Step into the mystical world of Victorian Spiritualism, a movement that captivated the 19th century and continues to influence modern spiritual practices. This class explores the history, techniques, and tools used by mediums of the era, offering a glimpse into how they communicated with the spirit world.

The Rise of Spiritualism

During the mid-1800s, Spiritualism gained popularity as people sought comfort and guidance from the beyond. The movement was sparked by the famous Fox Sisters, who claimed to receive messages from spirits through rapping sounds. Their experiences ignited a fascination with mediumship, leading to the rise of séances, spirit circles, and public demonstrations.

The Séance Experience

Séances were the heart of Victorian Spiritualism, bringing sitters together in darkened rooms to witness spirit communication. Mediums would enter a trance state, allowing spirits to speak through them or manifest physical phenomena. Common tools used during these gatherings included:

• Spirit Trumpets – Hollow cones used to amplify spirit voices. Often, these trumpets would levitate and move on their own, seemingly guided by unseen hands.
• Spirit Cabinets – Enclosed spaces where a medium would sit in deep trance. These cabinets enhanced the energy for spirit contact and often led to startling physical manifestations.
• Table Tipping – A popular form of spirit communication where sitters placed their hands lightly on a table. Spirits would influence the table to rock, tilt, or even levitate, responding to questions through movements.