THE PHENOMENA THAT
SPARKED MODERN SPIRITUALISM
AND LEAD TO THE CODIFICATION OF SPIRITISM
Spirit Phenomena in the Late 1800s |
Theories about the Manifestations |
Kardec Witnesses
the Phenomena
Spirit Phenomena in the Late 1800s
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The study of Spiritism, as we
know it today, actually began in the U.S. (in the mid 19th century), where a series of strange, physical
phenomena which, while not actually happening for the first time, began to
garner significant attention due to the frequency and intensity of occurrences.
These phenomena, which are often cited as the beginning of
modern spiritualism, included strange noises, rapping, and moving objects,
all happening with no known cause. It was also observed that these phenomena
occurred especially under the influence of certain individuals, which we now
call “mediums”. |
The moving
objects were primarily tables, which began with spinning,
and later were observed moving in all directions, shaking, falling,
soaring, violently rapping, etc. Such
phenomena were referred to as “rotating tables” or “dancing tables.”
The
first explanation to satisfy observers was that the phenomena were the result of
an electric or magnetic current. However,
it was soon evident that there was an intelligent force behind the phenomena,
indicating the will of some unknown entity. Raps
were heard in the same number requested. Likewise, tables moved or tapped
as requested by a group of people who gave them specific commands.
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An early and well-known
occurrence of this type is the case of the Fox Sisters, in Hydesville,
NY., a city referred to by some as the “birthplace of modern Spiritualism.”
The two young girls observed rapping noises coming from a wall in
their home. Soon, they
discovered that by assigning a number of raps to yes and no answers, and
later to letters, they could communicate with the cause of these raps,
which was actually the spirit of a man who had been killed in the home in
which they lived. |
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Click HERE
To read more
about the
story
of the Fox Sisters.
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