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Mediumship
Mediumship is, in the spiritist tradition, the alleged ability of a medium to communicate with non-physical entities (spirits of the dead, guides, angels). It includes various forms: incorporation (the spirit "speaks" through the medium), electronic voice phenomena (voices recorded on tape), automatic writing, channelling.
History
Spiritism is born in the United States in 1848 with the Fox sisters of Hydesville. It spreads rapidly in Europe. In France Allan Kardec (1804-1869) systematises it in The Book of Spirits (1857). In Brazil it becomes an organised religion (Kardecism) with a great national presence. In the United States it continues as "spiritualism" within spiritualist churches.
State of the practice
Scientific investigations of mediums working in public have in many cases revealed techniques of "cold reading" (gathering information from the consultant s reactions) and "hot reading" (information gathered before the session). Mediumship is not confirmed as a verified phenomenon by the scientific community.
FAQ
Do authentic mediums exist?
It is a matter of faith. Scientific verifications have not demonstrated mediumistic phenomena. The value perceived by the consultant is subjective.
Is it dangerous?
From a psychological point of view it can prolong grief instead of helping to process it, and produce dependence. Be wary of mediums who ask for significant sums.
Is it a religion?
In Brazilian Kardecism, yes. In Anglo-Saxon spiritualism it is a church. In Italy it is mostly a private and varied practice.