Spirits, Seers & Seances: Victorian Spiritualism, Magic & the Supernatural

Spiritualism in the Age of Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe explores the history of automatic writing, cartomancy, clairvoyance, and more, revealing how Victorian belief in ghosts, fairies, and nature spirits shaped our celebrations of Halloween and Christmas. It offers historic examples and hands-on exercises to discover how spiritualism in the time of Jack the Ripper, Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, and Dracula left a profound impact on both the past and present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2023
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications,U.S.

Spiritualism in the Age of Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe: A Fascinating Exploration of Victorian Mysticism
Spiritualism in the Age of Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe is a captivating exploration of Victorian mysticism, revealing the spiritual, cultural, and historical foundations of this fascinating era. The book delves into the history of automatic writing, cartomancy, clairvoyance, and more, shedding light on the beliefs and practices that shaped Victorian celebrations of Halloween and Christmas. With historic examples and hands-on exercises, readers will discover how spiritualism in the time of Jack the Ripper, Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, and Dracula left a profound impact on both the past and present.

One of the key themes of the book is the fear and fascination with the supernatural that permeated Victorian society. The Victorians were deeply religious and believed in a divine order, but they also experienced a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety about the world around them. This led to a fascination with spiritualism, which promised to provide a way to communicate with the dead and gain insight into the future.

Spiritualism was a diverse movement that included a range of practices and beliefs. It included mediumship, hypnotism, and fortune-telling, among others. Mediumship involved the ability to communicate with spirits through a medium, while hypnotism involved the use of hypnosis to induce a trance state. Fortune-telling involved the use of cards, crystals, and other objects to predict the future.

One of the most significant aspects of spiritualism was its impact on the arts. Victorian artists were deeply influenced by spiritualism, and many of their works featured supernatural themes. For example, the painting "The Nightmare" by John Henry Fuseli depicts a woman being attacked by a demon, while the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe features a raven that predicts the death of a woman.

Spiritualism also had a significant impact on the social and political landscape of Victorian society. It was a movement that challenged traditional religious beliefs and practices, and it was often seen as a threat to the establishment. This led to a series of legal battles and persecutions against spiritualists, including the trial of the Fox sisters in 1848.

Despite its challenges, spiritualism continued to grow in popularity throughout the Victorian era. It was particularly popular among women, who were often excluded from traditional religious practices. Spiritualism offered a way for women to connect with their spiritual selves and to gain a sense of empowerment.

In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, spiritualism also had a significant impact on the scientific community. Many scientists were interested in spiritualism, and they conducted experiments to investigate its claims. However, most of these experiments were unsuccessful, and spiritualism was eventually discredited as a pseudoscience.

Despite its decline in popularity, spiritualism continues to have a presence in modern society. There are still many spiritualists who practice their beliefs and practices, and there are also many museums and galleries that feature spiritualist artifacts and artwork.

One of the challenges that spiritualism faces in modern society is the lack of scientific evidence to support its claims. Many spiritualists claim to be able to communicate with spirits, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. This has led to a skepticism of spiritualism among many people.

However, spiritualism can still be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-discovery. It can provide a way for individuals to connect with their spiritual selves and to gain a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. It can also be a way for individuals to connect with others who share their beliefs and practices.

In conclusion, spiritualism in the Age of Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe is a fascinating exploration of Victorian mysticism. It reveals the spiritual, cultural, and historical foundations of this fascinating era, and it explores the impact that spiritualism had on the arts, the social and political landscape, and the scientific community. While spiritualism has declined in popularity in modern society, it can still be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

Weight: 249g
Dimension: 201 x 132 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780738774619