What Is a Seance?
What is a Seance ?
Spiritual Communication and Practices
A séance, derived from the French word 'séance,' meaning 'session,' is a gathering in which participants attempt to connect with spirits. The word itself comes from the old French séoir, meaning 'to sit,' which is derived from the Latin sedēre. In English contexts, séances specifically refer to these spiritual sessions aimed at receiving messages from the beyond. These gatherings can vary in formality and structure, but the core objective remains the same: to bridge the gap between the living and the spirits of the deceased, reflecting the essence of the French séoir word.
One point of seeing a seanceThe Difference Between a Seance and Spiritual Gathering
If you have arrived at this page, you are likely curious about what is a séance.
When I was growing up in a Puerto Rican household, we didn't use the terms "seance" or "spiritual gathering." Instead, we referred to these events as "velada." However, as I got older, I started to hear the term "seance" more frequently, and later "spiritual gathering."
Although I have looked at seances, and spiritual gatherings as the same, they are related in many ways but are not the same.
A seance is a session where individuals come together for the purpose of connecting with spirits usually through a medium This spiritual practice aims to bridge the gap between the living and the dead, allowing participants to get messages or guidance from the other side.
A spiritual gathering is both similar to and different from a séance. While people come together to communicate with spirits through mediums, that is not their sole purpose. They seek to explore their personal journeys and develop their spiritual abilities. Also, participants share their unique spiritual gifts, study spiritual teachings, receive spiritual healing, and build connections with the spirit world.
These gatherings emphasize collective intentions for the good of all humanity, healing practices, and honoring the spirit world's existence while fostering a sense of unity among participants. These gatherings also support personal growth and transformation, making them a pivotal part of one's spiritual journey.
I refer to spiritual gatherings as spiritual retreats, where individuals take a break from their everyday life routines to connect with God and the spirit world.
A velada includes key elements of both a séance and a spiritual gathering.
Spiritual Communication
Before delving deeper into what a séance is, let's first examine spiritual communication.
Spiritual communication, often referred to as spirit contact, is the practice of attempting to communicate with the spirits of the dead or other entities from the afterlife. The primary goal of spiritual communication is to get messages, guidance, or insights from the spirit world, offering a glimpse into the nature of the afterlife.
Spiritualist mediums play a crucial role in facilitating this communication. These individuals act as intermediaries between the living and the spirits, using their unique abilities to bridge the gap between the two realms. Through their mediumship, they help participants connect with the spirits of the dead, providing comfort, closure, and sometimes profound revelations.
The practice of spiritual communication is not just about contacting spirits but also about understanding the broader aspects of life and death. By exploring the concept of spiritual communication, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the human experience and the possibility of life beyond death. Whether through a séance, a spiritual gathering, or a personal mediumship session, the desire to communicate with spirits reflects a timeless quest for connection and understanding.
Understanding the Séance
A séance, derived from the French word ‘séance’ meaning ‘session,’ is a gathering where participants attempt to communicate with spirits. In English contexts, séances refer to these spiritual sessions aimed at receiving messages from the beyond. These gatherings can vary in formality and structure, but their core objective remains the same: to bridge the gap between the living and the spirits of the deceased.
Traditionally, séances were held in darkened rooms, with participants sitting around a table and often holding hands to form a circle. This practice was believed to concentrate spiritual energy and enhance the medium’s ability to communicate with spirits. However, modern spiritualism has led to a shift in how séances are conducted. Today, participants do not necessarily sit around a table or hold hands, reflecting a more flexible approach to these spiritual gatherings.
The success of a séance depends largely on creating an atmosphere conducive to spiritual communication. This includes dim lighting and a focused mindset. The importance of the atmosphere cannot be overstated; it must be carefully crafted to foster a sense of openness and reverence. This ambiance often brings to mind the realm of shadows where spirits are believed to reside.
Whether you are an experienced medium or a curious beginner, understanding the essence of a séance is the first step to experiencing the profound connections it can offer.
Historical Context
Although the practice of trying to contact spirits has roots in ancient times, séances, as we know them today, became extremely popular in the mid-19th century. This rise in popularity coincided with the Spiritualism movement, which aimed to connect the living with the spirits of the deceased. Spiritualists quickly spread across America and England, viewing séances as essential for facilitating contact with spirits and exploring the supernatural. Thirty years ago, a particularly notable séance captured the public's imagination and highlighted the movement's lasting impact.
The movement was marked by public and private séances, where spiritualist mediums showcased their ability to communicate with the afterlife. The history of séances is closely linked to the broader history of Spiritualism, highlighting humanity's lasting fascination with life after death.
History of Spiritualism
Spiritualism arose from a growing interest in the afterlife and the desire to connect with spirits. Spiritualists utilized various techniques, such as mediumship, trance, and channeling, to facilitate communication with the other side. These methods were designed to receive messages from spirits, providing insights and guidance to the living.
The history of spiritualism is filled with accounts of physical phenomena, such as materialization and levitation, which were believed to indicate the presence of spirits. Psychic phenomena, including telepathy and clairvoyance, also played a significant role in the practices of spiritualism. These phenomena captivated the public's imagination and contributed to the growth of spiritualist societies in both America and England.
As spiritualism developed, it encountered strong support as well as intense skepticism. Despite the controversies surrounding it, the movement had a lasting impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape, and it continues to influence modern practices of spirit communication.
Tools and Techniques Used in Séances
To facilitate communication with spirits, séances utilize various tools and techniques. One of the most iconic is the spirit board, commonly called a Ouija board or talking board. These boards feature letters, numbers, and symbols, and participants use a planchette to spell out messages from the spirits. This method often serves as the initial introduction for many people to the practice of spirit communication.
Another essential element in séances is the presence of a medium. Mediums are individuals who possess the ability to communicate with spirits, often entering trance states to receive messages. These trance states can enhance the medium’s ability to connect with spiritual entities, making communication clearer and more direct.
Furthermore, physical phenomena such as table tipping, spirit trumpets, and ectoplasm are often reported during séances, providing concrete evidence of spirit presence.
Spirit or Ouija Boards
Spirit boards, commonly referred to as Ouija boards, are a key in many séances. These boards feature letters, numbers, and symbols, enabling participants to spell out messages from the spirit world. The use of a planchette, a small movable indicator, allows the spirits to guide the participants’ hands to the desired letters, forming coherent messages.
This method of spirit contact is popular due to its simplicity and the direct communication it offers with the other side at one point, where many have contacted their loved ones through the bible.
Mediumship and Trance States
Mediumship involves mediums who act as intermediaries between the living and the spirit world. These spiritualist mediums often enter trance states, which can range from light to deep, to facilitate communication with spirits.
In these altered states of consciousness, mediums can receive messages more clearly and convey them to the participants. This technique is a cornerstone of séances, providing a direct link to the spiritual realm.
Physical Phenomena
Physical phenomena in séances are perhaps the most intriguing aspect of these spiritual gatherings. Instruments such as spirit trumpets and slates are used to create physical manifestations, such as voices or written messages from spirits. Spirit cabinets, which contain the medium, are often employed to prevent tampering and enhance the authenticity of the phenomena.
Participants have reported various physical manifestations during séances, including table tipping, where tables move without physical force, and the appearance of apparitions, which provide visual evidence of spirit presence. Ectoplasm, a substance believed to emanate from mediums, is also said to facilitate spirit manifestations. These phenomena, though often met with skepticism, continue to captivate those who experience them.
Another notable occurrence is direct voice communication, where spirits use the medium’s vocal cords to speak audibly to the participants. Additionally, deciphering responses from spirits may involve interpreting physical signs, such as flickering lights or unexpected noises in the environment. These physical phenomena add a layer of mystery and intrigue to the séance experience, leaving participants in awe of the potential connections with the spirit world.
Conducting a Séance
Conducting a successful séance requires careful planning and adherence to specific steps. The process begins with preparing a conducive environment, selecting the right participants, and using appropriate tools and techniques. It’s recommended to have at least three people present, including one designated as the medium, to strengthen the séance’s energy. The ambiance can be enhanced by playing instrumental music, which helps create a serene atmosphere.
During the séance, it’s crucial to ask clear and respectful questions to the spirits. Simple yes-or-no questions often yield clearer answers, making the communication more effective.
Expressing gratitude towards the spirits formally ends the session on a respectful note. This step-by-step guide ensures that the séance is conducted respectfully and effectively, fostering a genuine connection with the spirit world through prayer.
Preparing the Environment
Creating the right environment is a critical first step in conducting a séance. A suitable setting should be tranquil and devoid of distractions, with adjustable lighting and comfortable seating. Using candles and incense can enhance the spiritual ambiance, making it more inviting for spirits to communicate.
This carefully crafted atmosphere sets the stage for a successful séance filled with hope and good energy.
Selecting Participants
Selecting the right participants is crucial for the success of a séance. It is advisable to include individuals who genuinely believe in the process and are open-minded about the spirit world. Skeptics can disrupt the energy needed for effective communication, so it’s important to choose guests who are serious about the séance and limit the numbers to ensure focus.
Communicating with Spirits
Communication during a séance should be structured and respectful. Participants should start with clear and simple questions, preferably yes-or-no inquiries, to facilitate connections with spirits. Mediums may enter altered states of consciousness to enhance their ability to receive spiritual messages from the spirit world. It’s important to maintain a respectful tone throughout the séance, ensuring that the communication remains genuine and meaningful.
Mediums play a critical role in these communications. By entering altered states, they can connect more deeply with spiritual entities, providing clearer messages to the participants. This process of communicating with spirits not only bridges the gap between the living and the dead but also offers a profound experience for those involved.
Skepticism and Criticism
Despite the fascination surrounding séances, they have faced significant skepticism and criticism. Scientific skeptics often view séances as scams or forms of pious fraud, arguing that the physical manifestations can be easily faked by someone with theatrical talent. The credibility of mediums has been further undermined by the exposure of fraudulent techniques used in spirit communication.
Historical figures such as the Fox sisters, who were instrumental in popularizing Spiritualism, were later exposed for using deceptive methods to create spirit raps. Harry Houdini, a renowned stage magician and stage magicians, dedicated much of his career to debunking fraudulent mediums, revealing the tricks they employed to fool the public. His investigations and public demonstrations highlighted the need for skepticism and critical thinking when it comes to spiritualist claims.
The 1887 Seybert Commission report further revealed fraud and showmanship among séance leaders, casting doubt on the authenticity of spirit communication. Hereward Carrington, a psychical researcher, specialized in exposing the techniques used by fraudulent mediums, including slate-writing and spirit photography. These exposures have led many to question the legitimacy of séances, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence and critical examination.
Notable Figures in Séance History
The history of séances is rich with notable figures who have shaped the practice, both positively and negatively. The Spiritualism movement began in 1848 with the Fox sisters, who claimed to communicate with spirits through mysterious raps. This movement quickly spread across America and England, attracting many followers and leading to the establishment of numerous spiritualist societies.
Many mediums involved in the Spiritualism movement were women, providing them with a rare opportunity for empowerment during that time. Among the notable attendees of séances was William Lyon Mackenzie King, who sought guidance from the spirits of his deceased mother and other prominent figures. Edgar Cayce, a prominent 20th-century medium, was known for his psychic readings that provided insights into health and spirituality.
On the other side, figure like Harry Houdini worked tirelessly to expose fraudulent mediums and protect the public from deception. His investigations revealed that many mediums relied on elaborate illusion tricks.
My First Experience
Jesus said, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
A spiritual gathering, known as a velada (the Spanish term for a spirit gathering, spiritual reunion, or séance), has been a part of my life since childhood. I was very young when I first attended a velada, and I remember my mother telling me to sit quietly. Although I didn’t fully understand what was happening, something about the spirit reunion fascinated me.
Children who attended these gatherings with their parents often fell asleep from boredom, lack of interest, or understanding. I was different; I stayed wide awake throughout the entire session, enjoying every moment. For some reason, it brought me great joy.
It was a soul freeing moment, giving hope to the hopeless and providing a place to escape from the struggles of daily life. It was a sacred space where people would gather to pray, find inner peace and healing, connect with GOD and spirit messengers, and spiritually support each other.
Modern Times
A fake psychic mediumMuch has changed since my childhood years. Spiritual gatherings are scarce, and many mediums are materialistic. Instead of compassion and goodwill, money has become the main focus. Their goal is to make as much money as possible.
I remember sitting inside a bus some time ago. I overheard a conversation between two women sitting next to me. One woman told the other that she needed to raise her prices for her spiritual work because she wanted to go to Florida for vacation.
Encounter with a Medium
Many years ago, my friend and I went to a spiritual workshop. While there, my friend got acquainted with a married couple who told her about a medium hosting spiritual gatherings in his home. They spoke highly of him and gave her his name and phone number.
A few days later, my friend asked me to call and gather information about the gathering. I agreed and called the following day. When I dialed the number, a man answered and said, "Yes, can I help you?" After introducing myself, I informed him how I got his number and the purpose of the call. Without any hesitation, he said, "Yes, I do hold gatherings twice a month, and the fee is fifty dollars per person."
I was utterly speechless. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Fifty dollars to attend a velada… no, it couldn't be. Maybe he misunderstood me," I thought to myself. As I regained my composure, I explained to him that I didn't want a spiritual reading; I just wanted to attend a spiritual gathering. "Yes, I understand. You want to attend a velada. The fee is fifty dollars," he said calmly. Then, he continued to talk as if giving me a sales pitch.
I was overwhelmed by what had transpired, so I told him I would call back and ended the call. I couldn't stop thinking about the phone conversation. I kept asking myself, How could someone take something so spiritual, sacred, and charitable and turn it into a business?
Growing up in a spiritual community, veladas were inclusive gatherings for everyone. If someone were in need and couldn't afford a candle or the ingredients for a cleansing bath prescribed by a spirit, the group would help them by providing the necessary funds. It felt like a family where everyone supported each other. During these gatherings, attendees would bring flowers and other items used in the sessions, and some would also bring food to share afterward. This was the norm that I was accustomed to. So when a man said it would cost fifty dollars for each person, I was shocked. At that time, fifty dollars was a significant amount of money.
I definitely wasn't interested in attending the gathering, but I needed to call the man again. I wanted to test him.
"Hello, I'm the woman who spoke to you yesterday," I said.
"Yes, I remember," he replied.
"I was thinking about the fee; fifty dollars is a lot of money. Right now, I am having financial problems and cannot afford fifty dollars. Is it possible—"
Click.
"Hello, hello, hello," I repeated. The person on the other side was no longer there. He abruptly ended the call.
Wow, I didn't even get a chance to ask him if he had special rates for children, senior citizens, or those struggling financially, or when spirits started having bank accounts?
Although the situation was shameful and sad, I could not stop laughing. The experience was hilarious.
Once a price tag is placed on spiritual gatherings, they cease to be about spiritual connection and become a business transaction. Spiritual gatherings should be led by the spirits themselves rather than being controlled by monetary considerations. For a medium to charge fees for anything spiritual is a sign of disrespect towards God and his spiritual messengers.
The medium is merely a vessel for spirit. It is the spirit that brings light and healing to those in need. It should never focus on money but rather on helping each other.
NOTE: Let me be clear: I am referring to mediums who serve as vessels for spirits, not Reiki practitioners or those from other healing modalities.
What happens to those who cannot afford to pay for spiritual help or healing from spirits of light? Do you reject them and focus only on those who can?
Is spirit guidance only for those who can afford it? Are the poor, unemployed, etc., excluded from spirits' teachings? Are they unworthy of God's love? If this is true, then Jesus had it ALL wrong.
If a medium has permission to accept donations, it is an arrangement between the medium and their spirit team. However, it's important to keep contributions reasonable and flexible, considering that some individuals in need of spiritual help may not be able to afford to pay due to financial constraints.
May Spirits of Light guide you into the right path
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