Many people have heard of the word, “séance” but some are still unsure about what exactly goes on when a group of people sit around a table in a circle with the intention of opening a door to the “other side.” This is a brief introduction for those who are interested to know about an occult yet widely practiced activity that is often conducted to help the living come to terms with issues involving the dead. Here are some useful answers to the most commonly asked questions related to this popular psychic practice.
What is a séance?
In the psychic community, a séance is an activity wherein a medium, along with other people are involved in channeling and attempting to communicate with elements of the supernatural world. Communication with spirits is the main purpose of a séance. Spirits are called upon, and when they come forward, the psychic or medium facilitating the session asks questions and presents the spirit’s response to the rest of the group. Talking to spirits of the departed often help those who are left behind in dealing with loss and mourning.
The spiritualist movement of the early 19th century helped establish séances in the mainstream. Because of the accuracy of the results and the benefits of the outcomes reported by participants, the séance has become the “go-to” activity for those who endeavor to engage in spirit communications.
How is a séance conducted?
The set-up that is required for a séance is very simple. A round table is usually placed inside a room with comfortable chairs around it for the participants to sit on. Essentially, the word “séance” specifically connotes a group of people for there to be contact with spirits. The purpose of involving as many people as possible in a session is for a stronger energy field to be created, which directly influences the success of a session.
The room is usually darkened with candlelight serving as the only source of illumination. Dark curtains are used in order to keep outside light from entering into the room. The somber ambience may be complimented by the use of décor in the form of various occult objects. Doors are locked so that the session is not interrupted.
In receiving and sending messages to the other side, the medium may use a certain object, but this is not a requirement. Some mediums ask the relative or friend of the deceased person, whose spirit will be called upon during the session, to bring a personal item that was dear to the dead when he was walking amongst the living.
There are different methods by which a capable medium communicates with spirits populating the afterlife. There are many communication techniques, which they can choose to implement. Some of the most popular are automatic writing, transitioning into a state of trance, and using certain tools such as an Ouija board or a planchette. These are also less conventional means of communication. There is a session called a physical séance where the medium produces phenomenon (materialization, transfiguration, direct voice) or tangible manifestations such as ectoplasm.
What can a first-timer expect in a Seance?
Participants are expected to be quiet and relax their minds so that the energy flow is not interrupted. It is important for séance participants to be open-minded and to believe the purpose of the session, otherwise, the attempt to communicate might end up failing. Participants may not hear, see, or feel anything because the medium is usually the only conduit of the message from the other side. First-time participants in a séance must also expect to see the medium being tied to the chair prior to the start of the session to ensure his or her safety. There are also settings where the medium is seated in a cabinet for the purpose of containing his or her psychic energy.
In order to assure that there are no interruptions, cell phones and other gadgets are left at the door before entering the room that is set up for the channeling activity. Participants are also asked to go to the bathroom before the session starts. Soft music may be played in order to help the mind reach an altered state of consciousness called the “alpha state,” which makes it conducive to receiving messages directly into the subconscious, bypassing the analytical mind.