A séance is a spiritualistic practice where a group of people come together to communicate with spirits, often with the assistance of a medium or psychic. The word “séance” comes from the French word for “session,” and the practice has been around since the 19th century.
During a séance, participants typically sit in a circle or around a table, holding hands or touching each other in some way to create a physical connection. The medium or psychic then leads the group in an attempt to make contact with spirits, often through the use of tools such as a ouija board or pendulum. Participants may ask questions, and the medium or psychic may relay messages or impressions they receive from the spirits.
Séances are often associated with spiritualism, a religious movement that gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the practice is also found in other spiritual and religious traditions, such as African diasporic religions and some Native American traditions.
Séances have long been a source of controversy and skepticism. Skeptics argue that séances are nothing more than tricks performed by mediums or psychics, while believers maintain that they offer a legitimate way to communicate with the dead. Despite the controversy, séances continue to be practiced by some people around the world.
