Spiritualism refers to a belief or movement that emerged in the 19th century, centered around the idea that spirits of the dead have the ability and inclination to communicate with the living. Adherents of spiritualism, known as spiritualists, believe in the existence of an afterlife and the possibility of communication with spirits through mediums or other paranormal means.
Key aspects of spiritualism include:
Mediumship: Spiritualists often engage with individuals known as mediums, who claim to have the ability to communicate with spirits. Mediums may use various methods such as séances, automatic writing, or other forms of divination to convey messages from the spirit world.
Afterlife: Spiritualists generally believe in the existence of an afterlife where the souls or spirits of the deceased continue to exist. Communication with these spirits is seen as a way to gain insights, guidance, or closure.
Spiritual Healing: Some spiritualists also incorporate the concept of spiritual healing, believing that spiritual energy or intervention can positively affect an individual’s health and well-being.
Religious Diversity: Spiritualism is not a monolithic belief system and can encompass a range of religious and philosophical perspectives. Some spiritualists may align themselves with particular religious traditions, while others may view their beliefs as more secular or independent.
The peak of the spiritualist movement occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable figures such as the Fox sisters, who claimed to communicate with spirits through a series of knocks and rappings. While interest in spiritualism has fluctuated over the years, some individuals and groups continue to practice and identify with spiritualist beliefs today.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 