What is a Séance?

A séance is a gathering or session that is usually conducted by a Psychic Medium in which individuals attempt to communicate with spirits or the deceased. It is often conducted by a medium or someone with supposed psychic abilities who acts as a facilitator between the living and the spirit world.

During a séance, participants usually sit in a circle, holding hands, and create a focused and receptive atmosphere. The medium may use various techniques to establish contact with spirits, such as meditation, trance states, or calling out to specific spirits. They may also use tools like Ouija boards, pendulums, or automatic writing to assist in communication.

The purpose of a séance is to receive messages, information, or guidance from spirits. Participants may ask questions, seek advice, or try to connect with specific deceased loved ones. The medium acts as a conduit, relaying the information or messages they receive from the spirit realm to the participants.

Participating in a séance is a personal choice, and beliefs about its efficacy and legitimacy vary greatly among individuals. If you are considering participating in a séance or any spiritual practice, it is essential to approach it with an open mind, critical thinking, and personal discernment.

What is a Victorian Séance?

Victorian seances were spiritualistic gatherings that gained popularity during the Victorian era, which spanned from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. These seances aimed to communicate with the spirits of the deceased and provide proof of an afterlife.

During a Victorian seance, a medium would lead the proceedings, often in a dimly lit room with participants seated around a table. The participants would join hands to form a circle, creating a collective energy. The medium would enter a trance-like state and attempt to contact the spirit world.

Various methods were employed during seances to create a mystical atmosphere and facilitate communication with spirits. These included the use of spirit trumpets, which were cone-shaped devices through which spirits were said to communicate audibly. Ouija boards, planchettes, and automatic writing were also commonly used to receive messages from the spirits.

Phenomena such as table tipping, levitation, and ectoplasm (a supposed spiritual substance) were often reported during seances. Mediums claimed to channel spirits, allowing them to speak through their voices or write messages. They would often provide personal details or specific knowledge that only the deceased would know, aiming to validate their connection to the spirit world.

Society’s interest in Victorian seances was fueled by a combination of curiosity, fascination with the supernatural, and grief over the loss of loved ones. However, skepticism and fraudulent practices were also prevalent during this time. Some mediums were exposed as frauds, using tricks and illusions to deceive participants.

What is a Ouija board?

A Ouija board is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and other symbols, along with a movable indicator called a planchette. It is used as a tool for attempting to communicate with spirits or the deceased.

To use a Ouija board, participants typically gather around the board, place their fingers lightly on the planchette, and ask questions or make statements to invite spirits to communicate. The idea is that the spirits will guide the movement of the planchette to spell out words or answer questions by pointing to letters or symbols on the board.

The belief behind the Ouija board is that it allows for a connection between the physical world and the spirit realm. However, it is important to note that the use of Ouija boards is highly controversial and often viewed as a form of divination or spiritual practice with potential risks and consequences.

What is a Planchette?

A planchette is a small, typically heart-shaped or triangular device used in various forms of spirit communication, most commonly with a Ouija board. The planchette is usually made of wood or plastic and has a smooth surface with a pointed or rounded bottom.

During a session with a Ouija board or similar divination tool, participants place their fingers lightly on the planchette. The idea is that spirits or unseen forces will guide the movement of the planchette to spell out messages, answer questions, or communicate in some way.

As participants ask questions or make statements, the planchette may move across the board, pointing to letters, numbers, or words that spell out a message. The movement of the planchette is typically attributed to the influence of the spirits or energy being channeled through the participants.