What is a seance?

The history of a seance:

A seance, a gathering where individuals attempt to communicate with the spirits of the deceased, has a rich and varied history dating back to the early 19th century. The practice gained popularity during the Victorian era when interest in spiritualism and the afterlife surged.

The modern concept of a seance can be traced back to the Fox sisters of New York in the mid-1800s. The sisters claimed to communicate with a spirit through rapping noises and sparked a wave of interest in spiritual communication.

Seances became a widespread phenomenon, with people gathering in dimly lit rooms to connect with spirits using methods like table-turning, automatic writing, and spirit boards. Mediums played a crucial role in facilitating these communications, often claiming to act as a bridge between the living and the spirit world.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seances were both celebrated and scrutinized. While some viewed them as a legitimate way to commune with the dead, others dismissed them as mere trickery or self-delusion.

Despite fluctuations in popularity, seances continue to endure in various forms today, often as a form of entertainment or spiritual exploration. The history of the seance reflects humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown and the desire to connect with something beyond the tangible world.

A mandolin levitates during a séance with Eusapia Palladino in Munich, Germany, 1903.

A Seance in Modern Times

In modern times, a seance is typically seen as a gathering where individuals attempt to communicate with spirits or energy from the other side. Participants often sit in a circle, holding hands, and a medium or spiritual guide leads the session, inviting spirits to make their presence known through various means such as knocks, movements, or messages. While some people view seances as a means of connecting with loved ones who have passed away or seeking guidance from the spiritual realm, others approach it with skepticism or as a form of entertainment. The practice of seances has evolved over time, with some utilizing technology such as digital recorders or spirit boxes to enhance the experience.

A Seance at Arrowwood

Friday, April 12
8:00 PM

Arrowwood Lodge
6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter, MN

Witch Jodi will be leading a seance at Arrowwood Lodge during our Brainerd Psychic - Paranormal - Wellness Fair. She will take us through the realms to bring messages from the other side. Witch Jodi will set a safe space for all to join, this will prove to be an amazing experience for all.